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ED. F. MORE ARTY 



OMAHA MEMORIES 

Recollections of Events, Men and Affairs 

in Omaha, Nebraska, from 

1879 to 1917 



BY 

ED. F. MOREARTY 

Attorney-at- Law 




OMAHA 
SWARTZ PRINTING CO. 
1917 * 






COPYRIGHTED 1917 
by 

ED. F. MOREARTY 



/ 



V/0 I r 



il 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



PREFACE 

In writing these Recollections of Omaha, it was not my 
intention to snbmit a history of Omaha, nor an Autobiography; 
nor is this work intended as such. It is just what the title 
claims to be: 'Omaha Memories — Recollections of Omaha from 
1879 to 1917. of Events, Men and Affairs," with comments. 

In it I have not sought to throw bouquets at some men 
and brick-bats at others; nor confining myself to the old settlers 
only, but to new ones us well. In the brief biographies here 
given, which were written by myself and not a line by another, 
I have written from my own personal knowledge of the men, 
aside from the information given me by them as to age and 
place of birth — nothing else of which have they had prior knowl- 
edge of or been consulted, or asked to pay for. It contains no 
advertisements, and but one photograph, that of my own. 

This book is written partly from memory and partly from 
a diary kept by me during the past 36 j'ears, and is not intended 
as a money-making scheme, for I do not expect to make one 
dollar from its sales. I will feel that I am amply rewarded for 
my two years' labor (that of 1915-16) should the present genera- 
tion, those living here as well as those who formerly resided here, 
derive some pleasure in reviewing the events of the past, and 
the future generation gain a knowledge of the marvelous growth 
of Omaha and the changes that have taken place in it from 1879 
to 1917. 

ED. F. MOREARTY. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



OMAHA 

The meaning of the word Omaha is, "Above all others— 
upon a stream" — an Indian word, E-roma-ha. Tradition has it 
that two tribes of Indians had a great many years ago met on 
the Missouri River, and engaged in a hostile encounter, in which 
all on one side were killed but one, who had been thrown into 
the river. Rising suddenly from what was thought to be a 
watery grave, he lifted his head above the surface and pro- 
nounced the word "Omaha" which had never been heard before. 
Those who heard it adopted it as the name of their tribe. How 
much truth there is in the story I do not know, suffice it to say 
that it has past as current. 

It is generally conceded that the first white man to locate 
in Omaha was in 1854. The late William P. Snowden has assured 
me on various occasions that he was that man, although I am 
not vouching for the accuracy of the statement. Be he the first, 
or someone else, I am exceedingly thankful to the man or men 
who were the original founders of this city, and for many 
reasons; among them might be assigned: Because I have spent 
nearly two-thirds of my life in it, and because it is the best city 
in the world in which to live and raise a family; because it is 
the metropolis of one of the best agricultural states in the Union, 
the one possessing the least illiteracy. 

Because it is in the geographical center of the United States, 
through which passes the channels of commerce from the rock- 
bound coast of Maine to the Golden Gate of California, and from 
the snow-capped mountains of Canada to the pleasant glades of 
Florida; because it has the most even and healthful climate of 
any spot in the United States s because it is the second primary 
live stock market of the world; because it is the fourth primary 
grain market of the world; because its jobbing trade in 1916 
was $188,000,000; because its factory output for 1916 was 
$219,000,000; because it is the greatest creamery producing city 
in the world. 

Because in 1999 it will have a population of 1,000,000 people ; 
because it is the greatest lead ore reducing city in the world 
because it is the second primary corn market in the world 
because it is the greatest sheep feeding market in the world 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



because it has the broadest streets and best kept of any city of 
her size in the United States; because it has more palatial resi- 
•dences and the greatest number of home owners in proportion 
to population than any other city in the world; because it has 
the most extensive, best equipped, best service street car system 
in the world ; because it has the most schools and most efficient 
teachers in this nation. 

Because it is the best-governed city in the Union ; because 
it is the most lively, progressive, commercial city on the map ; 
because it has more churches, with more members, than any city 
of her size in the Avorld ; because it has the most contented homo- 
geneous class of people on this continent — in short, it is the birth- 
place of one of the best women in the world, the mother of eight 
of the finest children in all Oniaha's 200,000 inhabitants (all born 
and raised and educated in Omaha) — Mv Wife. 



My love for Nebraska can be no better expressed than in 
the following lines from Adam Breed : 

Nebraska land, Nebraska land, 

I love your waving fields; 
Nebraska land, Nebraska land, 

I love your golden yields; 
It matters not where I may be, 

What foreign fields I roam. 
You'll always be most dear to me. 

I love you 'cause you're home. 



u 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



CHAPTER I. 

1880 

On the loth day of January, 1880, I 'arrived in the City of 
Omaha, Nebraska, direct from my native city, Knoxville, Ten- 
nessee, where I was born August 11, 1860, so that on my arrival 
here, I had not yet attained my majority. I knew nothing of 
Omaha, in fact, I had scarcely heard of it except from what I 
had read in the Omaha Herald, copies of which Avere in the 
reading room of the Knoxville Public Library. I did not knoAV 
a living soul in Omaha the day I landed here; had but little 
money and finding myself a stranger in a strange land, it 
behooved me to look for Avork. I had no trade or profession, the 
last Avork that I did Avas on my father's farm on BeaA'er Creek, 
tAveh^e miles Avest of -KnoxA'ille, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
My earlier education I obtained in the public schools of Knox 
County, and later took a four-year course in the Christian 
Brothers' College, in a little toAvn called Dingle, in County Kerry, 
Ireland, from Avhich place I graduated in 1876,. Feeling that I 
had no pull it became necessary for me to resort to push, and 
to take that Avhich most readily presented itself. In my tra\'els 
seeking Avork, I finally came to Avhere • Duffy Brothers Avere 
digging out the cellar of the big brick building on the southeast 
corner of Thirteenth and Harney Streets, Avhich is still standing 
and Avhich for years Avas occupied by the AA'holesale grocery of 
Steel, Johnson & Co. At this place I asked for a job shoveling; 
upon inquiry as to Avhether or not I had a "shebble" (shoA^el) 
I said I had neither "shebble" nor money to buy one, so the boss 
found one for me and I proceeded to Avork. The job lasted for 
three days and I received the munificent sum of $4.50. My 
boarding-house and the one AA'here I had taken niA- first meal and 
first night's lodging Avas at 1314 LeaveuAvorth Street, a tAvo-story 
building, dignified AA'ith the title of ''Wallanze Hotel," OAvned 
by jMichael Wallanze — yet living. 

The summer of 1880, in Omaha, was one of the hottest and 
dustiest I haA'e cA^er experienced, and this city had just begun to 
recover from the grasshopper blight from AA'hicli the entire state 
had suffered for a number of years. The city Avas then claiming 
to have a population of 30,000 inhabitants and Avas about to 
attain the dignity of having a AvaterAvorks system, of Avhich I 
will treat later on. 

HoAvever, resuming my story of securing a job (not a posi- 
tion), after much effort I acquired one at the Omaha Nail Works, 
Avhich Avere located betAveen Sixteenth and Seventeenth Streets 
and the Union Pacific tracks. There Avere about one hundred 
and tAventy-five men Avorking there and nearly fifty nail ma- 
chines, Avith a daily capacity of tAvo hundred kegs of nails. This 
concern Avas established in 1879 and Avent out of business in 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



1883; it was a stock company, the majority of stock being owned 
by the Creightons and McShanes. One additional stockholder, 
Mr. Bnrtholder, a heavy set man Avho ran a jnnk store, com- 
plained to me years afterwards that he lost every cent he had in 
the enterprise. 

It was while employed there that I first met John A. aird 
Phil Mc8hane, the latter being cashier. Martin Dineen, who 
afterwards became assistant chief of the Omaha fire department, 
was employed as a nail picker, and at the time was but a small 
boy. Evenings I sauntered leisurely around the city, and in so 
sauntering, euriousity prompted me to follow a eroM^d of men 
going up the steps of a two-story brick building located on the 
southwest corner of Twelfth and Douglas streets (this building 
is still standing). The crowd that was surging in there were 
gamblers, eager to bet on the game run by Dan Allen; Gotley 
Brooker was dealing the cards. Howe*^er, shortly after my 
arrival there I heard the report of a pistol shot. Those of us 
Mdio had no money up, ran out to see what happened, and upon 
in(|uiry found that a man had been shot one-half block north 
on Twelfth Street in the old St. Elmo Theatre, or varietv show, 
one of the toughest joints between Chicago and Leadville, and 
was managed by Jack and Billie Nugent ; it afterwards changed 
its name to the Buckingham Theatre — that owing to the fact 
that^ Mayor C. S. Chase had ordered the old place closed— but, 
as Shakespeare said, "there was nothing in a name," for the 
place had not changed its moral tone. Omaha being a frontier 
town at that time, little regard was shown for law and order, 
saloons were licensed after a fashion, but it made no difference 
to what grocery store you went you could find a keg of whiskey 
on tap at all times, which would be sold to the customers and 
cha}-ged up on their pass-books just the same as sugar or potatoes. 
There was no limit to the hours that saloons were to be opened 
or closed, in fact most of them had no key to the front door 
From 1880 to 1882 Ninth Street, from Jackson to Leavenworth,' 
was the principal retail street running north and south. On this 
street, just south of Jackson, was located one of the largest retail 
grocery stores in the city, owned by a man named St. Felix, who, 
in 1882, moved his stock to his new building, corner Seventeenth 
and Howard streets. There Avere many other small stores and 
any quantity of saloons in that stretch of street. The Southern 
Hotel, on the northeast corner of Ninth and Leavenworth Streets 
was at that time a fashionable hotel. ' 

I am now at that stage where I have another job— it is with 
tlie Omaha Foundry and Machine Co., Seventeenth and Union 
Pacific Railroad tracks, afterward known as the Paxton & Vier- 
ling Iron Works. This time my duties were of a two-fold nature • 
that ot fireman and blacksmith's helper; the engineer was Charles 
Siidenberg, aftemvards city boiler inspector of Omaha under 
Mayor Bemis. My undertaking as blacksmith's helper 'was of 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



short duration, as I knew no more of the sound language of the 
blacksmith's anvil than a laughing hyena knows about mathe- 
matics ; about the first time my services were brought into requisi- 
tion was when Mr. Fred Simpson, the blacksmith, called on me 
to hit a swedge in welding a long piece of wrought iron that was 
intended and which was afterwards used as a brace over the 
divided door of Jim Stephens' livery stable, corner Tenth and 
Howard streets. Simpson would sound on the anvil with his 
little hammer in such parlance as would indicate the rapidity 
and force which I was expected to use ; this being all -Greek to 
me and having heard some very uncomplimentary remarks about 
my intellect, I became frightened and hit the anvil in the center 
in one blow, then the point of it in the next, breaking the handle 
and striking Mr. Simpson on the foot with the hammer part of it. 
There was nothing left for me to do but run, and this I did, 
with Mr. Simpson after me. I was not overtaken, my pursuer 
having been put out of commission when I reached Seventeenth 
Street. But to this day Mr. Simpson and myself have been the 
warmest of friends, and upon various occasions of late years I 
have been his attorney. I remained with that company (shorn 
of some of my duties) until April, 1881 ; while there I formed 
the acquaintanceship of the owner of the concern, Captain T. W. 
T. Richards, one of the finest men I have ever met. He was an 
attorney, by profession, and lived on the corner of Eighteenth 
and Farnam streets, afterwards moving to California. 

In July of that year I moved, or rather changed my quarters 
and collar box, from the Wallanze Hotel to a boarding- 
house kept by Pat. Garvey, on the northwest corner of Thirteenth 
and Mason Streets. This was a commodious two-story building ; 
this hostage was presided over by Pat. Harvey, a haughty, quick- 
tempered and impulsive son of the Emerald Isle, but the manage- 
ment was in the hands of his wife, one of the most lovable of 
women ; the family consisted of three girls and two boys ; the 
girls were Nellie, Annie and Kate, and the boys Charles and Leo. 
Charles is now owner and proprietor of the Puritan Laundry, 
and all reside in Omaha. The cold weather of thg^ fall of 1880 
came very early, the first snow and sleet arrived on the tenth day 
of October and while there were a few days during the balance 
of the year that were pleasant yet the weather up to January 
was extremely cold. It being my first winter in the north since 
I left sunny Tennessee I was much discouraged, but have wit- 
nessed thirty-six more Nebraska winters since then. (Since 
writing the above, Patrick Garvey died October 30, 1915.) 

CHAPTER II. 
1881 

The year 1881 having been ushered in, the early part of it 
found me with a new job; this time it was with John A. Wake- 



10 OMAHAMEMORIES 

field, who ran a big lumber yard Avhere now stands the Union 
Pacific local freight house, Ninth and Jackson Streets. My 
employment there was but of short duration, but of pleasant 
memory, as there I formed a friendship with Mr. Wakefield that 
will last so long as we both shall live. 

On May 9th, 3881, I left the employ of Mr. Wakefield to 
accept a job with the Union Pacific Railroad at its local freight 
depot, where now stands the Union Depot. My first introduc- 
tion to what was then called a "Green Line Truck," took place 
on the tenth day of May; my duties and responsibilities were 
very light, but not so with my burdens as a trucker of freight ; 
one seldom knew what the heaft of his next load was going to 
be, and being the youngest man up to that time Avho had ever 
worked at that place at that kind of labor, I was continuously 
being "bawled out" by the old "terriers" that had been there 
since Heck was a pup. I was told to go back to the high school 
and many other expressions, all of which only served to nerve 
me up. 

On May 21st there was no freight ^o handle because of the 
high water on the east side of the Missouri River. On that 
morning three others and myself, accompanied by J. T. Clark, 
general superintendent of the road, went to Council Bluffs to 
help build a pontoon bridge from the east end of the Union 
Pacific bridge to the Union Station in Council Blutfs. The water 
was fast rising, and by the time the pontoon bridge was built 
the water all along the bottoms, from the east end of the Union 
Pacific bridge to the Union Depot in Council Bluffs, was from 
twelve to fifteen feet deep. The bridge was about fifteen feet 
wide, with a space for passengers on both sides, leaving room 
for a baggage truck in the center. At the noon hour next day 
one of the men, William McDevitt, J. T. Clarke and myself, rode 
in a boat from the Union Station in Council Bluffs, up to the 
Ogden House in that city. This system of transferring passengers 
and baggage, including express matter, continued until the flood 
had subsided and the trains began their usual schedule, which 
was about June 1st. The Missouri River at that time had raised 
so high that the smelting works Avere forced to close down, and 
the water was three feet deep in the Union Pacific shops. How- 
ever, "it's an ill wind that blows no good," for this flood forever 
settled the rivalry between Omaha and Council Bluffs as to which 
would be the most suitable place in which to live, and to do 
business in. Pictures of the two cities were taken at that time 
and placed in the windows of the business houses and hotels of 
Omaha; the pictures showed Council Bluffs with houses and 
barns floating down the river, and others with but the chimney 
tops above water, while Omaha was pictured on a high hill over- 
looking the river and having the appearance of the mart of com- 
merce. This was the commencement of a real estate boom for 



OMAHAMBMORIES 11 



Omaha, which before it ended in 1887, had few equals in Ameri- 
can history, but, like the average boom, it was much inflated and 
caused a set-back to the city's progress, which injury terminated 
only when the Trans-Mississippi Exposition was held here in 
1898. 

To resume the story of my experience during the balance 
of the year with the Union Pacific road at its local freight 
department, will state that I neither paid any attention to nor 
cared for the jeers of the older men in the department, and soon 
became their fast friend. Whether by accident or good luck I 
am unable to say, I was soon relieved from physical exertion and 
given an opportunity to test if I possessed any mental acumen. 
It happened this way: A box-car loaded with furniture, and 
consigned to Dewey & Stone of Omaha had been damaged while 
in transit, and Mr. Black, the foreman of the department, was 
requested by C. B. Havens, the local agent, to send someone to 
get a report on it, and I was chosen. I made the report and 
placed it on the agent's desk; was soon asked by Mr. Black to 
report to Mr. Havens' office. On my way there I felt that I 
was to get my time, and where would I get another job? I had 
never met Mr. Havens, and kncAv him only in my many efforts 
to avoid running over him on the platform with my truck-load 
of freight. I was, however, agreeably surprised when he began 
making inquiries of me as to the extent of my schooling and 
who I was. After I had informed him he was curious to learn 
why I was engaged in an occupation that required no powers 
of mind beyond animal instinct. I informed him that I had no 
influence or friends to advance me, and had a mother, sister and 
brother who were depending upon me for support, so took what 
I could get. Struck by my candid statements he informed me 
that I was too valuable a young man to the company to be 
running a truck, and immediately gave me the position of receiv- 
ing clerk, and an increase of $20 per month over what I was 
getting. This position I held during the year 1881, and was 
promoted each year, as will appear from time to time in these 
recollections. 

On the Fourth of July of that year there was a ball given 
in the old Kuony Hall, southeast corner of Fourteenth and Dodge 
Streets ; it was given under the auspices of the Emmet Monu- 
ment Association ; I purchased a ticket from P. C. Heafey, who 
at this writing is known, honored and respected as "Colonel" 
Heafey. There I met, for the first time, the one whom I won 
and wed. A few weeks thereafter Sells Brothers' circus came to 
town, and I took it in. The circus grounds were located on the 
then outskirts of the city, and much indignation was manifested 
because it was held on the southwest corner of Twenty-fourth 
and Farnam streets, the lot on which Joseph Millard afterAvard 
lived. This lot was afterward bought by Phelan & Sherley, and 



.12 OMAHA MEMORIES 

at this writing thei'e is erected upon it a splendid tAvo-story 
brick building with stores both on Twenty-fourth and on Far- 
nani Streets. Such is the flight of time, and changed conditions 
which have taken place in the upbuilding and progress of the 
Cit}^ of Omaha within a generation. Where at this writing 
stands the Nebraska Clothing Store on Fifteenth and Farnam 
Streets, there stood in the fall of 1880 a livery stable oAvned and 
run by Matt Wilbert. About that time the property Avas pur- 
chased by James E. Boyd, Avho in 1881 erected on the lot an 
opera house, Avhich Avas considered one of the finest in the 
West. On September 19th of this year President Garfield, Avho 
on July 3rd Avas shot by Giteau, died, and on that day, on the 
afternoon of his obsequies Avas declared a holiday. All Avorks 
and business houses Avere closed for the day, and exercises Avere 
held on the High School grounds, at Avhich John M. Thurston, 
John L. Webster, John C. CoAvin, EdAvard RoscAvater and W. J. 
Connell delivered fitting eulogies on the death of the President, 
followed by the adoption of suitable resolutions befitting the 
solemn occasion. That day proved to be one of the hottest of 
the Avhole year, and a number of this large croAvd, so densely' 

packed, Avere overcome by the heat. 

» 

During the month of October there Avas an unusual amount 
of rain ; there being no paved streets and but feAv permanent 
sideAvalks, traA^el on foot and by vehicle Avas very difficult. It 
was no unusual thing to see Avagons stuck in the mud anywhere 
from Ninth to Fifteenth and Farnam Streets and as I recall it, 
the first permanent sidcAvalk ever laid in Omaha was on Eleventh 
and Farnam Streets around the building then OAvned and occu- 
plied by Max Mej'er as a wholesale and retail jcAvelry store. The 
building is there yet. So durable Avas the material in this Avalk 
that it Avas never repaired until 1910. 

Tenth Street in the latter part of that year Avas fast becom- 
ing the leading retail street north and south. This, hoAvever, 
Avas of but short duration. The latter part of that year ( I think 
it was Christmas night) I Avas Avalking south on Fourteenth 
Street in company Avith a man named James Tracy, Avhen our 
attention Avas attracted by a number of men moving rapidly 
toAvard Fifteenth and Farnam Streets. We folloAved the crowd 
Avhich led to the Avholesale and retail liquor house of Julius 
Treitschke, Avhich was located on the corner of the alley in an 
old frame building which Avas afterAvards replaced by the build- 
ing noAv knoAvn as the Barker Block,. To our surprise Ave found 
Charles Kosters in charge of Dan Angel, then city marshal. In 
the heat of passion Kosters had killed a man named Hammer. 
This was about 11 :30 at night, and the place was ordered closed. 
Kosters had a number of trials in this prosecution and Avas 
finally acquitted. General John C. CoAvin Avas his attorney. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 13 



CHAPTER III. 
1882 

The year 1882 presented itself and it brought with it 
amongst other things a promotion for me in the freight depart- 
ment, in the form of my appointment as check clerk, which 
position I held during the entire year, so that I was fast getting 
beyond what might be classed as holding a "job," and was now 
holding a position. I had as my freight caller a short stubby 
Irishman by the name of Tommy Ryan; he was an old soldier 
and very irritable, so much so that he was seldom if ever at 
peace with himself or the balance of mankind. However, by 
having to do his work as well as my own I managed to get along 
with him for a year. It was different, however, with my steve- 
dore ; he was an easy-going affable man whom everybody liked, 
and he in turn liked everybody. 

This proved a memorable year for Omaha; in fact, it was 
in this year that the city began to get out of its "swaddling 
clothes." Old landmarks disappeared rapidly; heavy invest- 
ments were made; large wholesale and retail houses were being 
established; and the city started its first public improvements, 
such as grading, sewering and paving. This was the second 
year of James E. Boyd's administration as mayor, and to him 
more than to any other agency can be attributed the spirit 
which aroused the people of Omaha to a realization of the need 
of public improvements, which began under his first administra- 
tion and has since continued. The Millard and Paxton Hotels 
were each built in this year, as was also the Nebraska National 
Bank. It was during this year that the celebrated dump strike 
took place. This strike grew out of the awarding of the con- 
tract for the grading of the B. & M. grounds on Sixth Street 
and B. & M. tracks; the Burlington road had purchased a tract 
of land at that place formerly known as the old Herman Kountze 
residence ; the company bought it for the purpose for which it 
is now used — as a freight depot. The contract for grading and 
filling was aAvarded to Jim Stephenson at such a ridiculously 
low price that he could pay his men not more than $1.00 or $1.35 
per day. As a result the men struck for higher wages, and 
refused to let other men work in their places; this Stephenson 
resented and called for police protection, which proved inade- 
quate, and sentiment began to run dangerously high, when on 
the tenth day of March, on Fourteenth Street near the Paxton 
Hotel, Mayor Boj^d mounted a chair and read the "Riot Act" 
to the multitude who had assembled, and calling upon them to 
maintain order. This official act of his failing of its purpose, 
he asked the sheriff for assistance. The sheriff, David N. Millar, 
finding himself unable to quell the disturbance, immediately 
called upon the Governor (Albinus Nance) for aid from the 
state militia, which on March 12tli, in four coaches, landed at 



14 OMAHAMEMORIES 

the Union Depot and marched in i)latoons up Tenth Street, thence 
east on Jackson where they established their quarters called the 
"White Village." On March 16th an honest and unoffensive 
old man named George Armstrong was passing the grounds 
about dusk, when he was killed by one of the guards on duty, 
having been pierced wuth a bayonet. This aroused great indig- 
nation and caused 5,000 laboring men to parade the streets, 
headed by a band, denouncing the mayor, the sheriff and the 
governor. The governor forthwith placed the city under martial 
law, ordering the closing of all saloons, and permitting no one 
on the streets, without cause, after eight o'clock. In the mean- 
time, men had been placed to work and the grading was com- 
pleted through the protection of the militia, after which they 
were recalled by the governor. The feeling against Mayor Boyd 
lasted for years afterward, and much political capital was made 
from it; the election for ward councilmen being held in April 
of the same year, resulting in the election of the Labor Ticket, 
of C. C. Thrane, a shoemaker, from the First Ward ; John F. 
Behm, house-mover, from the Second Ward ; D. L. McGuckin, 
saloonkeeper, from the Third Ward, and Ed. Luder, grocer, from 
the Fifth Ward. 

The legislative session of 1881 passed the Slocumb lifjuor 
law, and it being such a surprise to the liquor element they 
sought at first to ignore it and continue in the old rut. So 
determined were they in their effort to overlook its provisions 
and its enforcement that at the following fall election, a com- 
plete Democratic county ticket was nominated on a platform 
which pledged the nominees, in the event of their election, to 
refuse to enforce that law. However, a few da^-s prior to the 
election, Watson B,. Smith, clerk of the United States Circuit 
Court, was shot in his office in the old Postoffice Building. As 
he had been a persistent fighter in the enforcement of that law, 
and it having been reported that he had received threatening 
letters warning him to let up on his fight or take the conse- 
quences, public opinion at once centered on the li(|uor element 
as the ones responsible for this murder ; whether they were or 
were not, to this day it is not known. To vindicate themselves, 
every li(|uor man and his friends were out on the morning of 
the election supporting the Republican ticket, which M^as over- 
whelmingly elected. From that day to the present writing, no 
effort has been made by anyone to ignore the law or ask for its 
repeal, and in my judgment it was this law and its wise regula- 
tions of the liquor traffic that has kept the state of Nebraska out 
of the prohibition column of dry states. 

At the fall election of that year the people were called upon 
to vote on the constitutional amendment submitted by the Legis- 
lature of 1881, which contemplated the giving and granting to 
women the right to vote. This amendment was bitterly fought, 



OMAHAMEMORIES 15 

more especially so by the foreign element, and the prominent 
daily papers, including the Omaha Bee and Omaha Herald. 
Those backing and advocating the measure were Susan B. 
Anthony, Belvill Lockwood, and Phoebe Cousins ; those Avomen 
were able champions of their cause ^ and challenged their oppo- 
nents to joint debate. In this they were accommodated, as Ed- 
ward Rosewater accepted the challenge of Susan B. Anthony, 
the joint debate taking place in Boyd's Opera House in Sep- 
tember of that year, and was enjoyed by the crowded house that 
attended, each side being applauded as their respective clinch- 
ing arguments were made. Mr. Rosewater, however, judging 
from the applause, merited the decision. At that time, in my 
estimation, he was at the height of his physical and intellectual 
powers. A few days thereafter, Gilbert M. Hitchcock, now 
editor of the World-Herald and United States senator from this 
state, accepted the challenge of Phoebe Cousins, the debate 
taking place in the same opera house as that of the Rosewater- 
Anthony debate. Mr. Hitchcock was at the time a beardless 
youth, a recent graduate from a college at Heidelberg, Germany, 
though a native son of Omaha. This debate drew as large a 
house as that of the Rosewater-Anthony debate. Mr. Hitchcock 
at first labored under somewhat of a disadvantage, not having 
been as well known to the audience as was Mr. Rosewater. I 
will confess it was the first time I had ever seen or heard of 
him ; yet I am free to say that as the debate progressed he 
proved to be an agreeable surprise to the audience and to me. 
During the debate he became so enthused in his subject that 
he invoked the wrath of his opponent to such an extent that 
she arose from her seat to attract his attention, and pointing 
her long bony forefinger at him menacingly, exclaimed: "Mr. 
Hitchcock, you are a disgrace to the mother who bore you." He 
was kpplauded to the echo and won the debate on its merits. 

CHAPTER IV. 

1883 

The opening and closing of this year found me still with 
the Union Pacific Railroad Company, but with it also came 
another promotion, that of classification clerk, coupled with the 
duties of check clerk. In April of that year the term of James 
E. Boyd, as mayor of Omaha, terminated, and the two old 
political parties held their respective conventions. This was 
the occasion of my first introduction into the political arena; I 
was a delegate from the Second Ward to the City Democratic 
Convention, through the grace of John Mahoney, P. W. Lynch 
and Tom Fitzmorris. Mayor Boyd, fearing the wrath of the 
dump strikers, refused to again be a candidate, and the conven- 
tion was at a loss to find a strong candidate. I suggested Judge 
James W. Savage, who was nominated by acclamation ; he made 



16 OMAHAMEMORIES 

the race and was defeated by less than 100 votes. Champion S. 
Chase, the Repnhlican nominee, was elected. Mayor Chase was 
a genial, whole-sonled man, but very pompous and determined 
in having his own way, and was very unfortunate in some of 
his appointments, notably that of city marshal. To this position 
he appointed a man named Guthrie, a machinist in the Union 
Pacific shops ; this appointment proved very disastrous to Mayor 
Chase, as will api)ear later on in my Recollections. 

As previously stated, the city began to grow and spread, 
and its commercial importance to assume a proportion that chal- 
lenged attention, and many new wholesale and retail houses were 
established. It Avas that year that Paxton & Gallagher purchased 
the lot and built their present wholesale house ; this lot was 
the one on which stood the old Slaven House. This firm prior 
to its present location was in a two-story brick building where 
now stands the Ware Block on the southeast corner of Fifteenth 
and Farnam Streets, built and owned by W. A. Paxton, and 
named after his wife, whose maiden name was Ware. It was 
that year also that McCord, Brady & Co. built their present 
wholesale house on the corner of Thirteenth and Leavenworth 
Streets. Their former house was located on Tenth and Farnam 
streets, now the Burlington headquarters. That year also saw 
the erection of the Parlin-Orendorf implement house ; they were 
a new firm who located here that year, and as I am informed at 
this writing, they have never regretted coming here. 

The Barker Hotel on the northeast corner of Thirteenth and 
Jones Streets was constructed that year, and was for a number 
of years one of the leading hotels. On the northwest corner of 
Eleventh and l^ouglas streets there stands a large five-story 
brick building built that year by "Fatty Glynn," a man who 
weighed some 425 pounds and was formerly a circus clown. 
The rear of this building was occupied by a saloon, run by Mr. 
Glynn ; it proved a rendezvous for visiting sports from all over 
the country. This building was for years afterwards occupied 
by Stubendorff & Nestor as a wholesale liquor house. On the 
southwest corner of the same street there was built and is stiir 
standing a large four-story brick building, built by United States 
Senator Paddock, after his first term as a senator from Nebraska. 
This building was for a number of years used by M. E. Smith 
and S. Katz & Co. as an overall factory,. 

In the summer of this year Tenth Street was paved and 
business was directed that way, and between Jackson and Jones 
on the Avest side of it one of the then largest retail dry goods 
stores Avas located and was conducted by Pete Wigg and John 
N, AVestburg, and known as the Wigg & Westburg stores. The 
construction of the Tenth Street viaduct soon depreciated the 
street and business was driven further Avest to Thirteenth Street. 
In the early part of that year a syndicate composed of Paxton, 



OMAHA MEMORIES 17 



McShane, Boser and Woolwortli, purchased a large tract of land 
south of the city and what is now known as South Omaha. This 
land w^as purchased from George Homes, Fred Drexel, Pat Hoctor 
and John Kinnelly, all of which lands were by them home- 
steaded. The original intent of the purchasers was to name the 
town Glasgow, and no doubt would have been done had it not 
been for Ed Rosewater, editor of the Omaha Bee, and Dr. George 
L. Miller, editor of the Omaha Herald. 

About the middle of this year Sixteenth Street was graded 
from Leavenworth to Izard Street. To one who had not seen 
this street before it was graded and now it would appear incred- 
ible to be told of the changed conditions which will be noted 
later on. The State Fair was held in Omaha that year, and was 
located in the north part of -the city, now Kountze Park; the 
weather was very unpleasant, being cold and chilly rains. That 
year my mother, sister and brother joined me, having come 
from our old home in Knoxville, Tennessee, and I rented a house 
where now stands the Creighton Medical Institute, where for 
the first and only time in my life I lived in the Third Ward. 
However, it was but for a short time. I shortly moved to 1314 
Jackson Street, then a fashionable residence part of Omaha. 

CHAPTER V. 
1884 

The year 1884 came with its many pleasant recollections. 
Business began to assume a lively attitude, the railroads were 
placing on extra freight trains, and so heavy became the Mormon 
immigration to Utah that trains were run in sections. This, 
coupled with an unusual number of land seekers, made passenger 
travel reach the point of congestion with the Union Pacific Rail- 
road. Especially freight was piled mountain-high at the Union 
Pacific freight depot; men were forced to work day and night 
to load and unload it, while express companies had to do like- 
wise. On the first day of May of that year the Union Pacific 
Railroad issued an order reducing the wages of its employees 
ten per cent. This action was met by a refusal on the part of 
the men, they refusing to accept the reduction, and on the second 
day of May not a wheel was turned on either the Union Pacific 
or Kansas Pacific roads. On the evening of May 3rd a monster 
meeting of the employees was held at the old Academ}^ of Music, 
1311 Douglas Street, where Joseph Standeven of the Union 
Pacific shops was selected as chairman and myself as secretary. 
Committees were appointed for various purposes ; I was placed 
on two of them : That of notifying all divisions of the road as 
to the action taken at Omaha, and that of waiting on General 
Manager S. H. H. Clark of the Union Pacific road to notify him 
of the stand taken by the employees. We met Mr. Clark, and a 



18 OMAHA MEMORIES 



kinder or moi'c .sensible man 1 have never known. lie informed 
us of his ref^i'et in havinji' to issue the order reducing' the wages, 
and stated that it was made by tlie board of directoi's and against 
his will, and tiiat he had telegraphed the board and Mi'. Gould, 
the })i-esident oi" the road, the eondition of tilings, and hoped for 
instructions rescinding the order. Subsequent events proved the 
truth of his statement, for at seven o'clock on the evening of 
May 4th, as we had reconvened, a message came to us from Mr. 
Clark, announeing the rescinding of the order reducing the 
wages. Whistles blew, bells rang, and thus ended what threat- 
ened to be ;i great strike. 

On May l^Uh of that year, at Omaha, I was married, at St. 
Philomena's Cathedral, Ninth and Howard Streets, to Miss Susie 
J. Lynch, a young lady born and I'aised in Omaha, and who had 
attended the old Jackson and Paeiftc Street grade schools, and 
later two years the Omaha High School, under Professor Beals. 
This beloved wife is still living, possessing the bloom of youth, 
a happy conscience, surrounded by a loving family of eight 
children (and myself). As one of the parties who had taken a 
prominent part in the recent strike, 1 Avas called into the otifice 
of P. P. Shelby, general freight agent of the Union Pacific, and 
after receiving a sound piece of advice from him I also received 
a time check, which ended my railroad career and put an end 
to my ambitions to be a railroad magnate. In recalling my 
experience while in the service of the Union Pacific railroad, in 
its local freight department, fond recollections carry me back 
to the memory of the men whose accpiaintance I formed at that 
place during a period of three years; many of them were young 
then and I am pleased to know that at this writing most of them 
still live and reside in Omaha, and w^hose children have grown 
into manhood and womanhood; and of those that are gone I am 
|)leased to say that their children's cheeks need never tingle 
with the blush of shame at the mention of their names. In that 
department Avas the agent, a prince among men, C. B. Havens, 
who afterwards organized and operated the C. B. Havens Coal 
Co., who some ten years ago left to meet his Creator. The fore- 
man of that department was D. C. Black, a cool, quiet, fatherly, 
unassuming man of much discernment, who nppreciated a man's 
services and Avas ever ready and willing to reward merit, and 
ahvays encouraged his men. He is still living and it is my 
sincei'e hope that his shadow may never groAV less. Another of 
those men Avas P. W. Lynch, check clerk; to knoAV him Avas to 
love him; physically he was a noble specimen of manhood, six 
feet one inch in lieighth, square-shouldered, and every inch a 
man in the true sense of the Avord ; he died in 1897, Avhile serving 
as United States storekee{)er at the WilloAV Springs distillery. 
In this department also Avas AndreAV Tracy, a check clerk, an 
old and honored resident of Omaha Avho Avas looked upon as the 
dean of the department, Avhose Avord Avas his bond and Avliose 



OMAHA MEMORIES li> 

piety and example were worthy of emulation; he died in 1904. 
Bryan Farrell, another old resident of Omaha, who was employed 
there as check clerk, was an old soldier, and had been many 
years with the company; he was a slow, painstaking, temperate, 
((uiet and niiassuining man, beloved by all who knew him; he 
died in 1900 and left a wife and a large family, all of whom are 
still living and residing in Omaha. Others who were employed 
there at that time were Jerry Mulvihill, cashier, now bookkeeper 
at the Omaha Club; George Ilicks, chief clerk, who for many 
years has been in the real estate business in Omaha, now with 
offices in the State Bank Building; Alva Cook, bill clerk, now pres- 
ident of the Union Fuel Co. ; Colonel P. C. Heafey, check clerk, now 
in the undertaking business and a member of the governor's 
staff; Thomas Nolan, for a short time agent of the department, 
who died in 1898 by ])eing asphyxiated; Patrick Garvey, receiv- 
ing clerk, now manager of the Puritan Laundry in Omaha ; Cap- 
tain Henry P. Haze, caller, for years, and since held offices in 
various departments of the Omaha police department and now 
Deputy United States Marshal; Captain Michael Dempsey, 
laborer, for many years a member of the Omaha police force, 
now ranking as captain; Andrew Fahey, laborer, for many years 
a member of the police force of Omaha ; Ed. McGuin, James 
Tracy, William McCague, Pat Egan, Terrance Boyd, Patrick 
Leary and John Minnick, all still in the employ of the company 
in the checking and inspecting of freight ; George Trumble, fore- 
man, is now on pension. Frank Pogue and Frank O'Halloran 
were then filling minor positions in the office and are now cashier 
and chief clerk, respectively. 

On leaving the employ of the Union Pacific road, I secured a 
position on a weekly newspaper called the "Western Celt," owned 
by M. V. Gearin, formerly of Greeley, Nebraska. I remained 
with this publication until the fall of that year, leaving it to 
accept a position on an evening paper called the "Dispatch," 
owned and run by two very fine men, George and Robert Wal- 
lace, brothers; this paper was a clean, well edited one, but not a 
paying proposition, and was sold by the owners, in December of 
that year, to P. A. Gavin, a book agent, and John Moore, a man 
of some means and a newcomer in Omaha, and ^1. V. Gearin, 
the editor of the Western Celt. The plant was located where 
now stands the A. 0. U. W. building on Fourteenth Street. Under 
the new management the paper soon fizzled out and suspended 
operations in the early part of the following year. 

That being a presidential year and the party nominations 
having been made, the republicans nominated James G. Blaine, 
and the democrats, Grover Cleveland, the independent or "mug 
wump" republican of the east having bolted the nomination of 
Blaine, hope sprang eternal in the hearts of the hungry democrats 
and much enthusiasm prevailed. A great republican rally was 



20 OMAHA MEMORIES 

held at the Academy of Music, 1811 Douglas Street, at which 
John M. Thurston, General Cowin, General Estabrook, John L. 
Webster, Ed. Rosewater and W. J. Connell made rousing speeches. 
A few evenings following, an open meeting was held by the demo- 
crats at Fourteenth and Harney, at which A. J. Poppleton, Judge 
Savage, Dr. George L. Miller, Charles Brown (then a candidate 
for congress), W. IT. Green of Kearney, John P. Irish of Iowa 
and Park GoodAvin (then a candidate for re-election for district 
attorney) spoke. 

About Augiist of that year the republicans of this judicial 
district, comprising Douglas, Sarpy, Washington and Burt coun- 
ties, held a convention in the old city hall, where now stands the 
U. S. National Bank building. The purpose of the convention was 
the nominating of a candidate for district attorney ; the two can- 
didates who Avere presented for nomination were Lee S. Estelle 
of Blair (now district judge) and Henry D. Estabrook of Omaha 
(now attoruey for the Western Union Telegraph Company 
and a resident of New York). By a majority of four votes Lee 
Estelle was nominated and accepted the nomination in a speech 
full of enthusiasm and Avith eyes filled with tears in gratitude to 
the delegates for the honor. This Avas the first time I had ever 
heard Henry Estabrook and I Avas struck by the masterly and elo- 
quent address delivered by him in his promise to support Estelle 
after having been defeated by the convention a few moments 
before. This left Avith me a lasting impression of him, Avhich in 
years of long and intimate acquaintanceship I never had occasion 
to change. The heaviest guns of the republican party Avere 
directed against Park GoodAvin, the democratic nominee, also 
the poAverful influence of Ed KoseAvater, Avith his paper, the 
Omaha Bee. The principal reasons for the heavy attacks on 
Mr. GoodAvin were because of his prosecution of a fcAv members 
of the Omaha City Council and Mayor Chase, for malfeasance in 
office. I Avas present at one of the many occasions Avhere those 
investigations AA'eer conducted, and Avheu JMr. GoodAvin accused 
the city clerk, J. J. L. C JeAvett. of Avithholding evidence of an 
incriminatiug nature against the defendants; at that preliminary 
hearing and Avhile addressing the court, GoodAvin Avas so indig- 
nant against JcAvett, and being possessed of a vicious tongue, he 
interpreted JcAvett's initials to read 'Mohn Jackass Logcabin 
JcAvett" (J. J. L. C. JcAvett). W. J. Connell, then city attorney, 
filled the columns of the daily papers Avith tirades against Good- 
win, in addition to stumping the entire district against him, for- 
getting all of the other candidates, from president to constable. 
It being a presidential year and the district overAA-helmingly 
republican and the outside counties not being interested in an 
Omaha fight, ]Mr. GoodAvin Avas defeated, and Mr. Estelle elected. 
The democrats having elected their first president since the Avar, 
much enthusiasm prevailed; every prominent democrat in the 
county sent for a blue book, and Avere for days picking out the 



M A H A M E M O R I E S 21 

job they wanted. James E. Boycl, and Dr. ^Miller, editor of the 
Herald, formed a combination against J. Sterling Morton and 
Charles II. Brown, for the purpose of distributing the patronage. 
Because of the number of speeches I had made during the cam- 
paign, I was recommended for the position of mail clerk on the 
Union Pacific road. This came from the Morton faction, with 
which I had affiliated. A few days before my commission was to 
arrive, to my disappointment, Boyd and Miller had telegraphed 
the postmaster general to cancel my appointment and substitute 
the name of one of their faction, which was promptly done, and 
that man is still holding the job, and I am thankful for the switch. 

It was in the latter part of this year that one of the Indian 
tribes began to revolt, at the instigation of their chief, Geronimo. 
and I was assigned by the editor of the Evening Dispatch to inter- 
view General Howard, then commander of the Department of the 
Platte, with headquarters in the Strang building on Tenth and 
Parnam. I found the general alone in his department, but I soon 
learned that I had affected an entrance contrary to the rules of 
red tape, as his orderly, a heavy fat Irishman named Delaney, 
had left his post for a few minutes, and I happened in at that 
time. The general was in deep thought, walking the floor. Hand- 
ing him my card and making known my mission, he looked at 
me and began to ask how I got in. Had Geronimo himself 
appeared in place of me, no greater surprise could have been 
manifested. However, I did not get the interview, nor do I know 
what the orderly got, as I left; but carried with me a lasting 
impression of General Howard, one which I seldom recall in 
church. 

This year wound up with the usual commercial activity; the 
real estate boom was at fever heat;' new additions were being 
daily platted and C. E. Maj^ne, the king of real estate men, had 
bands playing, banners flying and an army of men with all 
makes of vehicles carrying purchasers to auction sales of lots, 
many of whom soon regretted their investments. 

CHAPTER VI. 

1885. 

In the early .part of that j'ear I became bookkeeper for the 
new real estate firm of Cunningham & Brennan, with offices in 
the Arlington Block. Of this firm Mr. Cunningham was for many 
years engaged in the horse-shoeing business ; his shop for a 
number of years was located where now stands the Omaha post- 
office, where it stood until the property was sold to the United 
States for the purpose of constructing the present postoffice. Mr. 
Cunningham at this writing is still living and has ever been 
classed as a man of sterling integrity, and is now a man of im- 
mense wealth. The other member of the firm, Thomas Brennan, 



22 OMAHAMEM OKIES 



had but recently arrived from Ireland, where in the early eighties 
he had been secretary of the Irish National Land League, and 
was forced by the English government to flee to America bacause 
of the offensive and prominent part taken by him against the 
(*oercion Acts of that government. He was a man of consid- 
erable ability, but of little or no financial resources, but he 
thrived and prospered, and at the time of his death in Omaha, 
in 1912, was one of our leading real estate and loan agents. 

It was in the spring of this year that the Knights of Labor 
organized their first assembly in this state. Local Assembly No. 
2845 was organized in April of that year at 1412 Farnam, upstairs ; 
its first master workman was Joseph Standeven, a machinist at 
the Union Tacific shops (afterwards city boiler inspector of 
Omaha), with Lou Green, also a machinist of the same place, as 
secretary. I was one of the charter members, and James L. Black, 
father of Mike Black, of the city engineer's office, was the orga- 
nizer. So large had become the assembly that it became unwieldy, 
there being nearly 800 members in less than one year, most of 
whom M'ere employees of the Union Pacific road. Amongst those 
most i)rominent in the assembly at that time were Charles Ilnitt, 
present secretary of the AVoodmen of the World; Henry Dunn, 
present chief of police ; John Jenkins, United States consid to 
San Salvador; John Wigman, for years afterAvards with the 
Omaha High School : James Young, David Knox and P. ¥. 
]\lurphy. afterwards mayor of Omaha, and many others who 
aftei'wards attained prominence. By reason of the congested 
condition of this assembly, it became necessary to apply for a 
charter f^r an additional assembly. Of this I Avas also a charter 
member, and became its first master workman. This assembly 
was known as Assembly No. 8914 and was composed of members 
of all legitimate callings (barring only saloon keepers, detectives 
and lawyers). This assembly had also members who afterwards 
became prominent, such as lion. C. J. Smythe, afterwards attorney 
general for this state for four years, and now deputy attorney 
general of tlie United States, who at that time was a clerk in 
the auditing department of the Union Pacific railroad ; Ed Aspen- 
wall and A. Von Trott, cigar manufacturers, and Simon Trosster, 
afterwards a member of the city council of Omaha ; George Kleff- 
ner, superintendent of mails in the Omaha postoffice ; Captain 
Henry P. Haze, now deputy United States marshall ; Rev. W. E. 
Copeland and many others still living. This assembly, like many 
others, soon became unwieldy, having attained a membership of 
1,000. It became necessary for us to apply for another charter, 
which was granted, and the new assembly was known as Assembly 
No. 2122. and Domnick St. Guyer of the quartermaster's depart- 
ment became its first master workman, with Dr. Lavender as its 
first secretary, and Charles Wehre. afterwards a member of the 
board of education, as treasurer. This assembly was generally 
designated as the ''Sundav School Assembly," because of hold- 



M A H A M E M O R I E S 23 



ing- their meetings on each Sunday afternoon. In addition to this 
later assembh', there were a few others organized in various 
parts of the city, making enougli in numbers so that their hall over 
1312-14 Douglas Street was occupied every night and from the 
various grievances of its individual members, such subjects as 
the eight-hour labor laAv, of which the organization took the ini- 
tiative throughout the country, and to whose efforts is due the 
credit of having that question first agitated, this being one of 
the hobbies of its Grand ^Master Workman, T. V. Powderly. 
Another subject which Avas hy them taken up and brought to a 
successful termination Avas that of free text books in the Omaha 
public schools; this Avas a very difficult problem to handle, oAving 
to the lieaAy opposition of the taxpayers ; so great Avas it that it 
became an issue in the school board election folloAving the pre- 
sentment of the matter to the board of education ; so popular Avas 
it that it Avas indorsed by an overAvhelming majority and the ncAV 
members immediately put the demand into effect. Time has 
proven it to be one of the greatest boons in the aid of educating 
the poor children that has ever fallen to their lot. and I am proud 
of the prominent part I took in securing the adoption of such a 
beneficial measure. In this connection, let me state that to Charles 
Unitt and John Wigman is due most of the credit for haAdng 
secured the free text book privilege Ave noAv enjoy. This organiza- 
tion CA'cntually drifted from its moorings, a step they Avere fre- 
quently Avarned against taking by their Grand ^Master Workman 
PoAvderly — their drift into politics — AA'hich eventually proved 
their daAA'nfall. 

I recall the prominent part that the leaders took in the 
municipal campaign of that year. The candidates for mayor Avere 
James E. Boyd, democrat, and the then incumbent of the office, 
P. F. IMurphy. They AA'ere captured bag and baggage by Ed. 
RoscAA^ater, editor of the Omaha Bee, and champion of Mr. Mur- 
phy's cause. I Avill confess to the mild impeachment that I, too. 
Avas caught in his grab net, but ]Mr. Murphy was defeated b}' a 
close margin of 51 votes. Yet I soon awoke to a realization of 
the fact that the organization Avas fast being used as an auxiliary 
of the republican party. One more active political campaign and 
thcA" Avent out of business; it Avas the campaign of 1886, AA'hen 
they were again captured bj' Mr. RoscAA'ater in his effort to 
re-elect Charles II. VanWyck to the United States senate. This 
time the game Avas not quite so raAv, as those of lis who wore the 
democrat collar insisted upon representation on the legislatiA'e 
ticket. This Avas brought about at a meeting held by the prom- 
inent members of the organization, one Sunday afternoon at 
our headquarters, at Avhich time and place Ave Avere to select from 
the tAvo political parties our choice of the nominees, selecting 
as many as possible from our own members, exacting of them a 
positive pledge to vote for Van Wycke regardless of their polit- 
ical affiliations. The ones chosen bj- us at the meeting "Avere all 



24 OMAHAMEM OKIES 



elected ; they were C. J. Smythe, Pat Garvey, Phil Andrews and 
David Know, democrats, and James Young, George Heimrod. 
John Mathiesen and Mr. Whitmore of Valley, republicans. AVhen 
it came to the time for voting for United States senator, only 
three of our pledged gentlemen voted for Van Wyck; those 
were C. J. Smythe, George Heimrod and John Mathiesen; the 
railroads had captured all the others, and Van Wyck was 
defeated and A. S. Paddock elected. The three men that stood 
by their pledge were rewarded by repeated election, the others 
never again. 

In the declining days of what was once the greatest and 
best balanced labor organizations this country ever had there 
was formed from what was left of it a body since called the 
Central Labor Union and, while it is not generalh" known, j^et 
it is none the less true, I was its first president, and it fell to my 
lot to settle two strikes during my short term in that official posi- 
tion, a painters' strike and that of the laborers who were con- 
structing the Dodge Street cable subway; that was in the fall 
of 1885. This ended m}^ affiliations with labor organizations. 
About the middle of that year JMr. Gilbert Hitchcock, now United 
States senator, started the publication of the Omaha Evening 
"World. I called on him and secured a position on his paper ; 
Dr. Tanner had just arrived in town shortly after, and his first 
position was that of a reporter on this paper. Will Gurley also 
did some reporting for it about the same time. It was rather a 
singular coincident that the little room in which this paper was 
launched that thirty years thereafter that same company should 
own the building in which it first started. For this success j\Ir. 
Hitchcock deserves the greatest of praise, having weathered a 
storm of panics that tried men's souls, in which he witnessed 
the suspension of two of the oldest established newspapers west 
of the Missouri River- — the Republican and Omaha Herald. With 
Mr. Hitchcock at that time were associated Frank Burkley and 
Vincent Burkley, his father, and Mr. Burchard and a man named 
Ruckles of Indiana. In this connection it may not be out of 
place to relate the story of how Mr. Hitchcock become a demo- 
crat and made his World-Herald a democratic organ. It hap- 
pened in this way : When the Herald and Republican succumbed 
the senator hired the associate editors of the two defunct papers, 
Fred Nye, a republican, and Frank Morrissey, a democrat, each to 
write articles on the tariff, one to be an answer to the other, in 
alternate issues of the evening paper, this to continue until Mr. 
Hitchcock was satisfied in his own mind as to which political 
party had the best of the argument. Whether convinced by the 
theories of the Cobden Club or having in mind his political future, 
I do not know ; suffice it to say that he became a democrat and 
is now a democratic United States senator from this state. 

I remained on the Evening World but a few months when, 
together with A. L. Pollack, former editor of the Omaha Herald 



OMAHAMEMORIES 25 

and United States weather observer, we purchased from Mrs. 
McDonoiigh her interest in the Western Watchman, a weekly 
newspaper once owned and edited by her husband, ' ' Little Mack, ' ' 
as he was generally called, who died a short time before we 
acquired her interest in the paper. I ran the business end of it 
and Mr. Pollack did most of the writing ; this was about the only 
weekly published in the English language in Omaha at that time, 
and because of the happy style of writing, as well as the poignant 
pen which Mr. Pollack wielded, made the paper very popular, so 
I experienced no trouble in filling it with advertising matter; 
my best weekl^y ads I got from Loyal Smith, N. B. Falkoner, 
William Bushman, dry goods firms ; L. 0. Jones, The Two Orphans 
Clothing Store, N. B. Newman, N. Pollack, Martin Elgutter, Louis 
Brash, clothiers. M3' regular monthl.y ads I secured from ]\Iax 
Mej^er, A. B. Iluberman and S. Jonason, jewelers ; and William 
Gentleman, Gladstone Bros., William Flemming, Henry St. Felix 
and Henry Pundt, grocers ; from Milton Rogers & Son, Morton & 
Son, John Hussie & Son and E. T. Duke, hardware men, and 
George P. Bemis, Boggs and Heill, George Ames & Son, Schriver 
& Bell, Bj^ron Eeed, 0. F. Davis, Cunningham & Brennan, John 
T. Dillon, real estate. I am confident those names are familiar 
to many of the older residents of Omaha, it being for their special 
benefit that I make mention of those names. 

While managing this paper I had ample time to myself, a 
part of which I spent at the "Coffin Club," with headquarters 
at the undertaking parlors of Drexel & IMaul's, where at this 
writing is located the Drexel Shoe Company, This was a club 
comprised mostly of newspaper men, as I recall it ; there was 
Kendrick, Jyles and Allen of the Bee; Gregory and Ed O'Brien 
of the Republican; Sands AVoodbridge and IMcDonough of the 
Herald. Those, with John Drexel, Mike Maul, Charles Goodrich, 
Dr. Conklin. Major Dennis, George Medlock and Elias Gish and 
myself generally constituted a quorum for the transaction of 
business, and in the language of the Hebrew, "0, such a pish- 
ness. " I recall one occasion where a stranger came in and had 
no place to stay for the night. He was cheerfully invited to sleep 
on the cot to his right. Some ten feet away lay a corpse in a 
coffin. Without the stranger's knowledge, Charley Goodrich got 
a butcher's dog, a large fat animal, and hid him a short distance 
from the corpse. During the night the dog snored and occasion- 
ally hit the floor with his tail. The stranger was awakened and, 
thinking that the man in the coffin was trying to get out, he 
ran for the front door, falling over several coffins placed there 
for his benefit, broke down the door and never Avas seen nor 
heard of s^ince, and for aught I know he is going yet. On another 
occasion we were determined to rid ourselves of a prominent 
business man who made it a point every time he got beastly 
intoxicated to come in and sleep it off on the cot. The chairman 
of the committee ' ' on ways and means, ' ' John Drexel, conceived 



26 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

the idea of laj^ing him out, and to this end got a lot of candle 
sticks and candles and lit them all aronnd him and placed a 
sheet aronnd the cot forming an enclosure. A few hours there- 
after Elias Gish hid in a pile of coffins and fired off a gun that 
sounded like a cannon. The man, half awake, looked around 
and, thinking he had died, began to pray aloud, but finally woke 
up to a realization of where he was and walked out the back door 
and never entered the place again. I see that man every day. 
and he has never drank a drop from that day to this, yet he is 
still in ignorance as to who caused it, and will be so unless he 
reads this story, I regret to say that John Drexel, now city 
commissioner, Dr. Conklin, Ed O'Brien, Sandy Woodbridge and 
myself, so far as I know, are the only living members of that 
jolly bunch. 

In the early part of that j^ear there was tried in the District 
Court the case of the state against a woman named English Liz, 
Avho was charged with the murder of Nettie Howard ; they were 
leAvd women who lived about Ninth Street and Capitol Avenue. 
It Avas claimed that the defendant, English Liz, threw a lighted 
coal oil lamp at Nettig Howard, setting fire to her clothing, which 
eventually resulted in her death. This occurrence took place in 
November, 1884 ; the case was one of much comment and was 
stubbornly fought on the part of the state and the defense. Lee 
S. Estelle, now judge of the District Court, Avas then county attor- 
Jiey, having taken his office in January following, he then being 
at the height of his physical and intellectual attainments. The 
defendant was represented by George "W. Shields and W, S. 
Felker, both of whom are still living in Omaha. The jury acquit- 
ted her after more than a week's exciting trial. Nettie Howard's 
dying confession was heard by Rev. T. W. O'Connor, pastor of 
St. Philomena's Cathedral, the priest who performed my mar- 
riage ceremom-. 

CHAPTER VII. 

1886. 

In the early part of that year I severed my connection with 
]Mr. Pollack and the Nebraska Watchman; this was brought about 
through an article I had written on the marriage of N. B. Falkoner 
to a ]\Iiss Murphy, as I recall her name, one of his clerks, who 
was a Roman Catholic and married outside of her church. That 
article stung ]\Ir. Falkoner so hard that he refused the paper any 
further patronage' so long as I remained with it ; hence my with- 
drawal. I then fitted up a store at 1320 Douglas, where for 
nearly two years I managed a real estate office in connection with 
my cigar store. Between the real estate and cigar business and 
the mixing of political medicine, I did a good business, at least 
a lot of it. This was practically the Knights of Labor headquar- 
ters ; as they were a considerable factor in politics they had to 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



be reckoned with, and many the slate that Avas made or broken 
in that office. J\Ien almost vmknown were brought out by them, 
nominated and elected, and old war horses shorn of their power. 
This in a great measure depended upon the exactment as to 
whether or not they were persona non grata to Ed Rosewater; 
as I recollect it, all orders came from him, and I am pleased to 
say they might have come from a far worse source, as he was 
tlien at his height in waging war against the railroads, Mdio had 
this state firmly in their grasp, and it was to him the people 
looked for relief, and to his memory, let it ever truthfully be 
said, that in most every effort of his busy life he w^as true to the 
interest of the common people. It was here that William Coburn 
practically received his nomination for sheriff; this was in paj^- 
ment of the debt the Knights of Labor owed him for his support 
of the free text books proposition which he championed for 
them while a member of the school board. Much of the organized 
effort against Church Howe and in favor of John A. iMcShane 
for congress had its origin in this office and without even the 
knowledge of Mr. IMcShane himself. This was one of the most 
stubborn fights ever made by Ed Rosewater against any candi- 
date for office, thus resulting in the ignominous defeat of Mr. 
Howe, in a district normally' republican by 7,000 majority. 

The real estate boom, which had lasted for nearly five years, 
was beginning to show signs of weakness. As I was both the 
beneficiary and the victim of that boom I feel that I am pretty 
good authority on it. In June of that year I sold to Judge Wakely 
a house and lot which I had an interest in, on Fifteenth and 
Marcy Streets, for $8,000. Elated at my success, I purchased two 
vacant lots on Twenty-seventh Street and Woolworth Avenue 
for $3,300. One year from that date Mr. Wakely could not get 
$3,500 for his purchase, and I could have bought the adjoining- 
lots later on for $500 each. The people in the early part of that 
year were real estate crazy ; to illustrate this : Cotner & Archer 
announced in the evening edition of the Bee that they would place 
their addition, recently platted, on the market the next day ; 
their office was at the northwest corner of Fifteenth and Harney 
Streets, and by 7 :30 the next morning people w^ere lined up clear 
to Farnam Street, waiting to buy. They had shrewdly blue- 
penciled a great number of the choice lots, on the pretense that 
they were sold, and when the last of the addition was supposed 
to have been sold, there were many who could not reach the 
office. As a result, those who had bought or contracted to buy 
came down the line and sold their options for more than the 
original price, aud not a dollar invested. The choice lots, pre- 
sumably sold, were contracted for at fabulous pricey. As a result 
95 per cent of those who had bought lost all they invested, and 
the lots, no doubt, twenty years afterward could be bought for 
one-half what tliey contracted to pay for them. This is but one 
of the manv illustrations of the Avild cat boom davs which left 



28 OMAHAMEMORIES 

many a person with an aching heart and a solemn vow never 
again to be the victim of a real estate boom. 

During that year 1 met, for the first time, General Crook. 
He and J. S. Collins bought cigars of me, and 1 was delighted 
with his stories of frontier life, and more than pleased to meet 
such a man as the general. He was a quiet and unassuming per- 
son, a man of warm and genial impulses, void of the frills and 
])omposity usually characteristic of military men of his station 
and fame. I readily noticed the contrast between him and his pre- 
decessor, General 0. Howard, and felt then, as I do no-w, that the 
memory of General Crook will be more lastine' than that of Gen- 
eral Howard. However, 1 may be wrong, yet that will always 
remain my impression of those two great men. 

During the previous year Mayor Boyd had sought to remove 
the city marshall, Tom Cummings, and the street commissioner, 
Mike Meaney, both being holdovers from the Chase-^Iurphy 
regime. Cummings was a short, heavy-set Scotchman, who prior 
to his appointment liad for years been a blacksmith in the Union 
Pacifis shops; he was a rough and uncouth kind of man, with 
a genial disposition, knowing nothing whatever of the duties 
and responsibilities of his office, but kept and retained for polit- 
ical purposes only. ]\Iayor Boyd appointed many good and 
capable men for the place, all democrats, each of whom failed 
of confirmation, the council being republican; a like fate met his 
appointment of street commissioner. The fight against the 
removal of those men was waged by Michael Lee and Ed Leeder 
in the city council. Later on when the council wanted to remove 
those men the mayor refused to do so. 

In the latter part of that year ex-^Mayor Murphy died very 
unexpectedl}'. His funeral was one of the largest, if not the 
largest, ever held in Omaha. Every labor organization and otiier 
lodges of which he Avas a member turned out and marched in the 
procession, which extended from Tenth Street to Twenty-fourth 
and Farnam Streets. I was one of the pallbearers ; he was buried 
in Prospect Hill Cemetery, and I never visit the place that I don't 
place a floAver on his. grave, for he and I had long been friends. 
It was I who induced him to run for the city council, where 
subsequent events resulted in his becoming mayor for nearly a 
3^ear. The present he gave me at my wedding I shall long cher- 
ish. In politics Mr. ]\Iurphy was a republican; in religious mat- 
ters he was an agnostic ; in all his public and private life he was 
honest, truthful aiul conscientious, a lover of liberty and a hater 
of oppression. That year 1 received the democratic nomination 
for the school board and had as my running mates W. A. L. 
Gibbon, then a member of the board, and Phillip Andrews. AVe 
carried what was then known as the lower wards, but were beaten 
by Herbert Davis, later judge of the District Court ; W. E. Cope- 



OMAHA MEMORIES 29 

land, an Unitarian minister, now located somewhere in Washing- 
ton, and T. W. Blackburn, then a clerk in the Union Pacific head- 
quarters and now a practicing attorney in Omaha and late candi- 
date for congress, all republicans. I recall an incident in that 
campaign which happened in this way: I met Henry D. Esta- 
brook on the street, taking him for Herb Davis, my opponent ; I 
invited him in to take a drink. After taking it Estabrook said, 
■ ' ]\rorearty, I am not Davis, but I am his law partner, and in this 
case I am doing the drinking for him, as is the rule in any agree- 
able law firm." 

In this year the Coliseum on TAventieth and Burdette Streets 
was built ; it is now used as the Ak-8ar-Ben den. It was originally 
intended for national conventions and gatherings of unusual size, 
but for a number of years it was managed by Jack Prince for 
bicycle races, tug-of-war and such other sports as prevailed in 
those da.ys. It proved a very unprofitable investment to the 
original stockholders, and were it not for the revenue derived 
from the Ak-Sar-Ben, would no doubt long since have been torn 
down. Prior to its purchase by this organization there were held 
there many gatherings of note. In 1892 there was the first national 
political convention ever held in Omaha — the Populist convention, 
when J. B. Weaver, the chairman, received the nomination on 
that ticket for the presidency. Patti, the great singer, warbled 
there in 1890; ]\Ime. Xordica sang there in 1907; the world's con- 
vention of the Presbyterian Synod convened there in 1902; the 
Thurston and Bryan joint debate took place there in 1894. This 
was when they were both candidates for United States senator 
from Nebraska. Theodore Roosevelt, while president of the 
United States in 1907, spoke there. General Charles F. Mander- 
son presiding. About the same time the Exposition building Avas 
constructed; it was large and commodious, being located on Cap- 
itol Avenue, embracing almost the entire block from Fourteenth 
to Fifteenth Streets and Davenport Street to Capitol Avenue. 
It contained a large hall, used mostly for dancing, church fairs 
and state conventions. Here one of the first charity balls was 
given, the elite of the city attending, and it proved a huge finan- 
cial success. There was also a stage in the hall and many good 
plays were seen there. For about six years the city council met 
in this building, where was also located the city jail and police 
court. It burned down December 4, 1894. 

CHAPTER VIII. 
1887. 

This year opened Avith a very late spring, heavy snows lasting 
until April, when we were suddenly ushered into the full heat of 
summer. The real estate boom had declined, rents began to lower 
and foreclosures of real estate mortgages started ; the ear-marks 



30 OMAHA MEMORIES 

of depression had begun to form, this being the forerunner of 
one of the greatest eras of real estate depreciations and stringen- 
cies in the money market this country had ever witnessed, both 
in stringency and duration. In the early part of that year I dis- 
posed of both my real estate and cigar business, having found a 
buyer with more money than brains. I sold to good advantage 
and then proceeded to devote my entire attention to the building 
of my home on Twenty-seventh Street and Woolworth Avenue, 
where I resided for eleven years. 

In May the city election was held, fraught with the usual 
excitement incident to those days ; James E. Boyd, the. then incum- 
bent, carried four of the then six wards of Omaha, but failed to 
carry the other two. An effort was made to nominate him by 
acclamation, but Charles Brown and myself, who had defeated 
him in those two wards, demanded a call of the wards, and I 
recall very distinctly what ]\[r. Brown said to the convention 
after the call of the wards was discussed : ' ' Mr. Chairman, I 
have always understood that acclamation meant by unanimous 
consent, and this is not unanimous by a darn sight, and it never 
will be either in or out of this convention." I spoke along the 
same strain, then Mr. Boyd, pale as a sheet, walked up to the 
platform and addressed the convention in this language : ' ' Gen- 
tlemen : I was the originator of public improvements in Omaha 
and I have labored during my two terms as maj^or of this city 
to advance and build it up. I have been hampered during the 
past two years with an adverse city council who have sought to 
tie my hands, and I would be pleased with another term with a 
friendly council, but from what I have heard said in this conven- 
tion and knowing the men who have expressed themselves, I have 
no desire to face another election, only to be scalped by Comanche 
Indians." ]\Ir. Boyd declining, Joseph Garnau was nominated. 
Tie was wealthy, yet inexperienced in politics and was easily 
defeated by his republican opponent, W. J. Broach, as cunning, 
as slick and as shrewd a politician as this state ever produced, 
with but one exception, that of R. B. Howell, now manager of 
the city water works. It was that year that Lake Manawa opened, 
and the novelty of the occasion gave it great patronage ; in fact 
it was to this place what Long Beach was to the people of New 
York City. I recall a very sad accident at the place shortly after 
its opening, that was the drowning of Sam Newman, a very bright 
young Omaha boy, the son of Mr. and ]\Irs. Ben Newman, who 
ran a clothing store at 1214 Farnam Street. If I remember cor- 
rectly, the body was not recovered for some six weeks after the 
drowning. 

During the month of September of that year the two old 
political parties held their county conventions. Being a delegate 
to the democratic convention, I recall very clearly some of the 
results of it. It was held in the Exposition building, and James 



OMAHA MEMORIES 31 

E, Riley was made chairman, and during most of the time ruled 
with an iron hand. The old spirit of the fight between the Boyd- 
Miller faction and that of the Morton-Brown faction was in evi- 
dence, A test of strength came in the nomination for the office 
of county judge. I presented the name of C. J. Smythe, and 
Paddy Ford that of George W. Shields to the convention. Behind 
the forces of Mr. Shields were James E. Boyd, Dr. George L. 
Miller, C. V. Gallagher, Charles Fanning, Charles Ogden, Jeff 
McGeath, Pat Ford, C. S. Montgomery, James Creighton and 
Hugh Clark, while those supporting Mr. Smythe were Charles 
Brown, J. J. O'Connor, Euclid Martin, T. J. Mahoney and myself. 
A rollcall being had. Shields was nominated by a majority of three 
votes. The republicans nominated for this office Dave Mercer, 
who had recently arrived in Omaha from Brownsville, Nebraska. 
The fight was a hard, though not a bitter one, the Omaha Herald, 
through its editor, George L. ]\Iillar, vigorously supporting Mr. 
Shields, and with equal vigor the Omaha Republican, through its 
editor, Fred Nye, supporting Mr. Mercer, while the Omaha Bee, 
edited by Ed Rosewater, remained neutral, leaning slightly toward 
Mr. Shields. T. J. Mahoney, Charles Ogden, C. S. Montgomery 
and myself stumped the county for Shields, while John M. Thurs- 
ton, Will Gurley and Ed Simmeral did likewise for Mr. Mercer. 
Mr. Shields was elected by 2,500 majority in a then almost hope- 
lessly republican county, he being the second and to this day 
the only democrat ever elected to that office in this county. The 
following election Mr. Shields succeeded himself. It was at those 
conventions that the democrats made their respective nominations 
for sheriff and clerk of the District Court. George Guye, for 
sheriff, and Gustave Beneke, for clerk, were the democratic 
nominees, while William Coburn, for sheriff, and Frank E. Moores, 
for clerk, were the republican nominees. The republican nominees 
were elected. 

CHAPTER IX. 

1888. 

On January 4 of this year George Shields was installed as 
county judge and I was appointed clerk of that court, succeeding 
George Gurley, Judge Shields succeeding Judge McCullough. 

Just one week thereafter, on January 12, occurred the great- 
est and most severe blizzard the state has ever experienced. The 
early part of that day was beautiful, the sun shining brightly; 
there was good sleighing; the river was frozen so that it was 
safe to cross in sleighs ; many people visited Council Bluffs to 
attend an auction sale of lots. About 4 o'clock, as Judges Shields 
and McCullough were preparing to leave the court room, a few 
snow flakes struck the window and it grew darker. I was ordered 
to close for the day. Judge Shields went to some club, where he 
was forced to stay all night. I went to Gladstone's store for 



32 OMAHA MEMORIES 

groceries and ineidentall}' purchased a gallon demijohn of rye and 
caught the last horse car (at 5 p. m.) at Thirteenth and Farnam 
Streets, the cars then running up Farnam and south on Twenty- 
eighth Street to Ilanscom Park, where I lived. The passengers 
were forced to get out and help push the ear up the Farnam 
Street hill, when about 8 o'clock we got to Twenty-eighth and 
Dewey Avenue, where we remained until 10 :30. The car was 
loaded with the elite of the Ilanscom Park district, both men 
and women ; the storm still raged and the thermometer was fast 
falling; it was then and there that my demijohn came into place 
and worked overtime — every passenger in the car welcomed it 
as a life-saver; even the Billy Sundays partook of it. Finally at 
11:30 p. m. I arrived at the car barn at Woolworth and Park 
Avenues. So great was the blizzard and so drifting the snow 
that I was an hour trying to find my way to my home, but three 
blocks away. I was about as close to being all in as I ever care 
to be within the next twenty-five years, yet my demijohn caused 
me no unnecessary trouble, as it Avas empty long before the car 
reached its destination. It was on that day that a school teacher 
in the western part of the state, a ]\Iiss Freeman, proved herself 
a heroine. School had been let out for the day; the children had 
gone but a short distance and were not far from the school 
when the storm came up. By a shrewd move she succeeded in 
stopping them, and with the use of a ball of twine tied to each 
pupil, then to herself, she succeeded in making her way to the 
schoolhouse, where, by means of exercise and the burning of 
every movable article in the school, she saved the lives of some 
thirty children, but was herself badly frozen. Through her act 
she gained world-wide deserved praise. This lady afterwards 
came to Omaha and was engaged as bookkeeper for the C. B. 
Havens Coal Company ; she was afterwards married and no doubt 
today is forgotten in the whirligig of time. 

It was in this year that j\Iayor Broach began his crusade of 
I'eform against the saloons and the red light district, an element 
that proved the biggest factor in his election. He started by 
ordering the saloons closed at 1 o'clock at night; many of the 
OAvners obeyed the order, but one man in particular positively 
refused; his name Avas Charles Iliggins, Avho ran a restaurant and 
gambling house in addition to his saloon. He Avas located on 
the sOutliAvest corner of TAvelfth and Douglas Streets ; he Avas a 
man of much political influence in the Third ward ; in fact, he 
Avas to the Third Avard then Avhat Tom Dennison afterAvards and 
today is. So obstinate and defiant Avas this man that he suflfered 
himself to be arrested and fined in the police court every day for 
more than tAvo months, resulting in the ruination of his business, 
and eventually breaking him up financially. In this connection 
it may not be out of place to state that Mr. Higgins had the 
assurance of MaA'or Broach, prior to the election, that neither he 
nor his business Avould be molested in the event of his election. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 33 

I was present when Mr. Broach, then a candidate for mayor, made 
that promise; Mr. Iliggins had his doubts as to Mr. Broach's ful- 
fillment of his promises, and wanted additional assurance. Shortly 
thereafter (the same afternoon) Mr. Broach, in company with 
Senator Manderson, came to Mr. Iliggins' place and both firmly 
assured him that he would not be interfered with. Relying upon 
that high and double assurance, Mr. Higgins placed all of his 
hacks and others to the number of more than a dozen, at Mr. 
Broach's service on election day. I was present on both occa- 
sions when that promise was given. Results afterwards showed 
whether or not Mr. Broach kept his word. The way of the trans- 
gressor may be hard, but the average person would have more 
respect for the transgressor than for the violator of a solemn 
promise, but what are promises to sham reformers — they are but 
pie crusts, made only to be broken. From such reformers may 
the good Lord deliver the people, both now and hereafter. 

It was during that year that the site for the present post- 
office was selected and men were appointed to appraise the 
grounds. John A. McShane was then congressman from this dis- 
trict, and much rejoicing prevailed at the news of the location, 
as many sites were under consideration, and much comment was 
heard because of the fact that on the site selected was a house 
and lot owned by the Folsom estate, of which President Cleve- 
land's wife was an heir. The property referred to was the old 
Planters' House and stood on the northwest corner of Sixteenth 
and Dodge Streets ; that, however did not interfere with the loca- 
tion, and time has proven the wisdom of the selection, as none 
better could have been made. 

That was a national campaign year, when the pent-up enthu- 
siasm was given vent, and it certainly reached its limit in Omaha 
at least. Big rallies, gay uniforms, men on foot and horseback, 
brigades of clubs and organizations of all kinds and classes were 
in line, torchlights and bands galore, men marching and counter- 
marching, presenting more the appearance of war than peace. I 
recall one club in particular, the "IMcShane Invincibles, " who 
wore a uniform more gorgeous than the king of Ak-Sar-Ben; 
they were organized in the interest of ]\IcShane's candidacy for 
governor. The democrats won applause with their "Samoset 
Club," which was organized along the line of the Tammany 
Hall club of New York, and was in charge of James E. Boyd and 
James Riley, during the many parades. 

During that year a number of banks were started in different 
parts of the city. One of them was owned b.y Garlick & Johnson 
and was on the corner of Sixteenth and California Streets ; it 
was operated until 1893, when it merged with one of the other 
banks ; it had a liberal patronage, but was unable to weather the 
financial crises then beginning to be felt all over the country. 



34 OMAHAMEMORIES 

The Bank of Omaha was located on the sontheast corner of Thir- 
teenth and Jackson Streets and was organized by Peter Goos, 
Frank Wasserman and Charles Needham. It went into the hands 
of a receiver in 1889. Another was started on the northeast 
corner of Twenty-fourth and Cuming Streets ; I do not know who 
the managers were, but recall that Albert Saunders was one of 
the heavy stockholders. I am of the opinion that it went out of 
business about the year 1893, for the same reason that the Garlic 
& Johnson bank did. Another bank was organized by a few poli- 
ticians, namely, Pat Ford, Adam Snyder and a few other members 
of the city council, with C. E. Mayne, then chairman of the board 
of public works of Omaha, as its president. It was located at 324 
South Fifteenth Street, and led a short and sorroAvful life. Then 
came the Nebraska Savings Bank, with a man named Miles as 
president ; John Rush, vice president, and Dexter L. Thomas, 
cashier. This bank did a heavy business, but failed in 1895, caus- 
ing great loss to the depositors, many of whom were very poor 
people who lost the savings of a lifetime. This bank was in the 
Board of Trade building. Sixteenth and Farnam Streets. 

The county convention of the democratic party met in Sep- 
tember of that year for the purpose of nominating a county ticket. 
I was a delegate and, as was usual in such conventions, pande- 
monium reigned. Charles Otfut was chairman and, while he 
ruled fairly and impartially, yet he showed a leaning towards 
the Boyd-i\[illar faction. This became apparent when the nom- 
inations for county attorney and county clerk were presented 
to the convention. James E. Riley presented the name of W. S. 
Shoemaker, and I that of T. J. Mahoney. A ballot being had, 
Mr. Mahoney was nominated bj^ a majority of two votes. Mr. 
Shoemaker's friends cried, "Fraud," "Sell Out" and many other 
such endearing things and demanded a poll of the convention, 
which the chairman, contrary to all parliamentary rules and 
usages, granted. The poll being taken, Mahoney gained one vote 
additional, and was declared the nominee of the convention. This 
defeat was laid to me by Mr. Shoemaker, and I think justly so. 
At the caucus held the night before the primary, in the pavilion 
at Hanscom Park, in the Seventh ward, the delegation as there 
selected was made up of a combination of Shoemaker and Roche 
delegates. Not being favorable to those candidates, my friends 
and I were left off the delegation ; the same niglit John jMahoney 
and I met and placed an entirely new ticket in the field. No one 
knew of a contest until too late ; the day of the primary our ticket 
was elected — and that was the delegation that gave ]\Iahoney 
the nomination and defeated M. D. Roche for renomination for 
county clerk. At that convention John Boyd Avas nominated for 
sheriff and Peter 'Malley for countj^ clerk. At that time I was 
clerk under County Judge Shields, he being one of Mr. Shoe- 
maker's strongest supporters. I could reasonably expect the kind 



OMAHAMEMORIES 35 

of reception I would get the next morning after the convention, 
and I recall it very distinctly : at noon I was asked to step out 
in the hall to make room for a delegation who waited on Mr. 
Shields for the purpose of demanding my removal from office. 
I anticipated such and made use of the phone, calling my friends 
to ray rescue. On the judge's return at 2 p. m. he found another 
delegation waiting for him, who informed him that in the event 
of my discharge his renomination was doubtful. With the two 
delegations the judge was between the "devil and the deep sea." 
With the packing house democrats (as the Boyd faction was 
called) and the slaughter house democrats (the Morton faction) 
he must have been up against it good and plenty ; however, I 
was not discharged, and the democratic ticket as nominated 
was elected. 

This same year two large buildings were thrown open to 
the public, the First National, at Thirteenth and Farnam Streets, 
and the New York Life building. Seventeenth and Farnam, now 
the Omaha National Bank building. Shortly after the democratic 
convention the republicans held theirs at the old Exposition build- 
ing, and in place of pandemonium reigning, bedlam was let loose. 
The office of sheriff was the bone of contention. William Coburn, 
the sheriff, was seeking renomination; his only opponent was the 
then president of the city council, Michael Lee, who received 
the majority of votes. After the secretary had announced the 
result, some of the delegates wished to change their votes and 
-the chairman, W. F. Bechtel, permitted them to do so, and Mr. 
Coburn was given the nomination, but was defeated. 

One of the largest social gatherings up to that year took 
place early in February. It was given by Judge Dundy and 
family at their palatial residence on Twentj'-ninth and Leaven- 
worth Streets. All of Omaha's elite, including the army officers 
and wives of Fort Omaha were there, and while I lay no claims to 
expert knowledge of fine clothes, I must say that there was pre- 
sented the grandest I have ever seen. This reception was followed 
by many others given by the leaders of Omaha society during 
that winter, but not on such a large scale. 

CHAPTER X. 
1889. 

The early part of 1889 was dry and extremelj^ cold, continu- 
ing so through the month of March, then suddenly emerging into 
summer. The republican party having again taken the reins of 
government, many who were declared offensive partisans were 
again looking toward the pie counter, as President-elect Harri- 
son was looked upon as a stalwart republican. In the formation 
and selection of his cabinet, many people were sure that Nebraska 



36 OMAHAMEMORIES 

would be favored with one office, it being freely predicted that 
the office of postmaster general would go to this state, and that 
Ed Rosewater would be the one to get it. Nebraska, however, 
did not get a cabinet office, and many were disappointed. 

By an act of the legislature of 1887, through the influence 
of Mayor Broach, the usual spring election in Omaha was deferred 
to December, leaving Mr. Broach in office seven additional 
months longer than the regular term. 

In November of that year the republicans held their city 
primary, which proved to be the most memorable of any ever held 
in Omaha ; the issue was squarely drawn between Rosewater and 
Broach ; it was a life and death struggle between those two men 
for the control of the political machinery of the republican party 
in this city. On the Broach side were the cohorts of the various 
corporations comprising the Gas, Electric Light, Water Works 
and the Street Railway companies, aided and assisted by all 
who had, or expected, citj^ contracts; also city employees; while 
on the other side were the brewers, saloon keepers, gamblers and 
hack drivers. Such a disgraceful primary was never held in any 
republic ; men voted from three to five times and often ten times 
that day ; wagons and all kinds of vehicles were used to carry 
men from one voting place to another, and there voted regardless 
of residence or political affiliations. Every ward heeler was 
liberally supplied with money, whiskey and street car tickets ; the 
voting places were amply guarded by t\\e right kind of a police 
officer. Avhose chief duty it was to obey orders from the ward 
boss. The next day the men, good and true, the honestly elected 
representatives of the party, assembled to carry out the Avishes 
of the dear people who sent them. There being no contests, woe 
be unto the people who dare question their loyalty to the G. 0. P. 
Ed Davis of the Ninth ward was elected chairman, and the fol- 
lowing names were presented to the convention : W. J. Broach. 
A. L. Strang, George A¥. Lininger and Dr. Mercer for mayor. 
There were seven delegates from each of the nine wards, requiring 
thirty-one votes in which to secure a nomination. The convention 
lasted until midnight of that Saturday, Mayor Broach holding 
his twenty-eight votes from start to finish, the balance of the 
vote being scattered between the rest of the candidates. Herman 
Kountze, president of the First National Bank, was elected a 
an efit'ort was made to bring j\Ir. Kountze into the convention. 
This being rumored, the opponents of Broach combined against 
him and centered on Mr. Lininger, who received thirty-one votes, 
getting the nomination. I never beheld a more sorrowful and 
dejected looking body of men in my life than were the twenty- 
eight delegates who went down in defeat with Mr. Broach. It 
Avas the three IMercer votes from the Seventh ward that were 
turned to Lininger that ended the agony. After the convention 
had finished its business, the loyal twenty-eight delegates who 



OMAHAMEMORIES 37 

stood by Broach, formed an organization which for years was 
known as the ''Solid 28" and for years was an important factor 
in republican politics in this county; they were generally known 
as anti-Rosewater, and proved true to that solemn declaration 
even to this day. The most prominent men in that solid com- 
pact were John W. McDonald, Charles Unitt, E. P. Davis, C. L. 
Chaffee, A. B. Hunt, Ed Tajdor, Henry Dunn, John Butler, Lee 
Yates, Henry McDonald, B. G. Burbank and R. B. Howell. 

The following Saturday the city democratic convention was 
held at Washington hall. Not a candidate for mayor was heard 
of until the convention convened, when Frank IMorrissey pre- 
sented the name of R. C. Gushing for that office. Though having 
served a term in the legislature from this county, he was scarcely 
known to any of the delegates to the convention, yet he was nomi- 
nated by acclamation. Each of the nine wards had their dele- 
gates instructed for their respective candidates for councilmen- 
at-large. Having had no opposition at the primaries from my 
ward (the Seventh), I wcs nominated as were the others, by 
acclamation. At the election Mr. Gushing defeated Mr. Lininger 
by 2,500 votes, and five democratic councilmen out of the nine 
were elected ; they were B. F. Madsen, from the First ward ; 
James Donnelly Sr., from the Second ; Henry Osthoff, from the 
Fifth; myself, from the Seventh, and Frank Cooper, from the. 
Ninth; while the republicans elected were W. F. Bechtel, from 
the Fourth ward ; Theodore Olson, from the Eighth ; pJohn Mc- 
Learie, from the Sixth, and F. L. Bloomer, from the Ninth ; the 
Third ward having elected no one, the Ninth elected two mem- 
bers. This was a bitterly contested election, the principal fight 
however being waged on the office of mayor and city treasurer. 
The nominees were John Rush, republican, and James McShane, 
democrat. The treasurer's office was more a fight of the banks 
than that of the people, and Mr. Rush was re-elected. 

In May of that year a woman by the name of IMrs. Bechler 
was tried in the District Court for the murder of King, a son of 
a millionaire clothing man of Philadelphia, with a branch house 
in Omaha, under the name of Browning, King & Go. On Novem- 
ber 14, 1888, this woman registered at the Paxton Hotel, and 
invited ]\Ir. King there. After conversing for some time in the 
rotunda of the hotel, he arose and started toward the Farnam 
entrance, when ]\Irs. Bechler whipped out a reVolver from some 
hiding place in her clothing, fired two shots at him, both taking 
effect, and he died almost instantly. The woman was arrested by 
Sheriff Coburn and placed in the Douglas county jail, where she 
remained until after her trial. This case was tried before Judge 
Louis Groff and lasted ten days, the court room during that time 
being filled to its utmost capacity and from early morning until 
the adjournment of court. IMost of the audience were women. 
T. J. Mahoney, then county attornej", prosecuted vigorously ; Mrs. 



38 OMAHA MEMORIES 

Bechtel being ably defended by General John C. Cowin. The 
case, after one whole day's argument, was submitted to the jury, 
who returned a verdict of ''not guilty," whereupon she was 
released and left for parts unknown, except possibly to General 
Cowin, her attorney. 

CHAPTER XI. 

1890. 

The year IMOO found me at my usual place in the county 
judge's office. After many years spent in the study of law under 
Attorneys Sam Balliet and Albert Swartzlander, I was on Janu- 
ary 9, 1890, admitted to the practice of law, after having passed 
a successful examination before James Mcintosh, now general 
attorney for the New York Life Insurance company; James P. 
English, now judge of the District Court, and Henry D. P]sta- 
brook, now of New York. Hon. Joseph S. Clarkson was the 
judge who administered the oath, the motion for admission being 
made by Hon. James P. English. The organization of the new 
city council was perfected on the first Tuesday in January, and 
there was much speculation as to its formation; there were ten 
republicans and eight democrats. Four of the newly elected 
democrats. Cooper, Osthoff. ^ladsen and myself, with one hold- 
over, Ed O'Connor, joined with Chaffee, Davis, McLearie, AVhee- 
ler, Schriver, Olson and Bloomer, republicans, and, contrary to 
expectations and to the surprise of those in the combine, elected 
Chaffee president of the council in place of Davis, who expected 
it, and John Groves, t'ity clerk, in place of Harry Counseman, the 
one most sanguine of it. The mayor appointed A. J. Poppleton 
city attorney, and he was confirmed ; he also appointed R. S. 
Irvine, a friend of Councilman Davis, for city prosecutor. I 
secured his defeat, and in his place and stead I had the mayor 
appoint AV. S. Shoemaker. This I did in order to repay him for 
having defeated him in a convention for the office of county 
attorney when T. J. .Mahoney received the nomination. Mr. 
Shoemaker was confinm^d. The completion and formation of 
that council was xary distasteful to Mr. Rosewater of the Bee, 
and nothing to his satisfaction was carried on during the lifetime 
of that council ; the mayor coming in for his share likewise. 
Notwithstanding that, that council was one of the most economical 
and progressive that Omaha ever had ; his malediction was heaped 
«ipon evfivy member of the twelve men who formed the combina- 
tion : they were the ones upon whom he conferred for the first time 
the famous title of "Corporation Cormorants' and Venal Vam- 
pires." I am positive they did not deserve such a name, and can- 
not say why it was applied; speaking for myself, I know that 
I had voted for no steal, nor given to any corporation by my 
vote any rights, privileges or concession's not justly due them, 
and the on]\- wav that I can account for the title so far as it 



O M A H A M E M O R I E S 39 

applied to me was when I refused to make the ^Morning Bee the 
paper in which all city legal notices should be published, as 
against the Morning AVorld-lIerald. I otfered to vote for his 
l)id providing lie would use tlie same figures for the Evening 
Bee as those offered by the ]\Iorning World-Herald. I informed 
him that his morning paper did not circulate among the taxpayers, 
and 1 was not going to impose upon the public for his benetit or 
anyone else's. That is the onlj'- reason I could ever assign for 
my merit to the title of "Corporation Cormorant and Venal 
Vampire." Every effort thereafter put forth by me in the interest 
of tlie public, no matter how laudable, both the effort and myself 
Avere by him ridiculed and denounced. Rather than remain 
under the stigma of the title referred to, members Chaft'ey, Davis, 
Schriver and AVheeler began the taking of testimony before Gus- 
tave Anderson, a justice of the peace, with a view to laying the 
foundation for an action for criminal libel or a civil action against 
Mr. Kosewater. Having taken tiie testimony of a few men, the 
cause was continued for twenty days; in the meantime the mat- 
ter was dropped, Mr. Rosewater agreeing to publish editorially 
a retraction of the article, which agreement he kept. 

It was during the early career of that council that I incurred 
the displeasure of the president of the Omaha Street Railway 
Company, IMr. ]\[urphy. It was brought about in this way : The 
Harney Street line from Twenty-eighth and Dodgs Streets to 
Tenth and Mason Streets was operated by cable, which system 
the company in May of that j^ear discontinued, and in addition 
intended to discontinue the operation of the line, contending that 
it too closely paralleled the Farnam and Dodge Street lines, but 
the patrons of tlie line vehemently protested, in fact remonstrated" 
against this action, and appealed to the city council for redress, 
where, I regret to say, they Avere given a deaf ear with the excep- 
tion of myself. I took up their cause and for ten consecutive 
meetings of the council I introduced a resolution compelling the 
company to either operate the line or forfeit its franchise to the 
streets used. My resolution invariably met its fate at the hands 
of ^Member AV. P. Bechtel, in his motion to lay it on the table, 
thereby shutting off' debate. At the end of the eleventh Aveek 
the companj^ made a proposition to the council that if they were 
given ninety days in which to make the change they Avould equip 
tlie line Avith electric cars, Avhich promise they fully carried out. 
IMeeting jVIr. IMurphy on the street some six months after the line 
was put in operation, I asked him "hoAv it Avas Avorkiug. " His 
reply Avas that "he was losing $2r)0 a month on it," and gave me 
"divine notice," as he termed it, that I would never fill another 
public office in Omaha. So far his prediction has proven true; 
yet the operating of the Harney line furnishes me more satisfac- 
tion than any political office I would care to fill. 



40 OMAHAMEMORIES 

It was in this year that the agitation for the annexation of 
South Omaha got its initiative, which project originated with Ed. 
Rosewater, editor of the Omaha Bee. Mr. Rosewater came to 
my office in the early part of June of that year and asked me to 
become enlisted in his fight, which I promised to do and did so. 
fShortly thereafter at his request I introduced a resolution in the 
city council which provided for an election to be held for that 
purpose, which resolution was adopted. At the next meeting of 
the council of South Omaha Mr. Rosewater and myself attended, 
and had a like resolution adopted. A day was set and the election 
was held, Omaha supporting it b}- a big majority. It was defeated 
by a few votes in South Omaha, through the efforts of Tom Hoc- 
tor, John Ryan and John O'Rourke. I am pleased to know that in 
June, just twenty-five years thereafter, Mr. Rosewater 's and my 
efforts became a living realization and the two cities are now one. 
I having the good fortune to see it, Mr. Rosewater did not ; yet 
to his efforts and to the continuous agitation by his paper through 
his son, Victor, is due more than to any other agency the credit 
for bringing about final annexation. 

That year we were called upon to vote on the constitutional 
amendment submitted by the Legislature of 1889, which amend- 
ment submitted to the people of the state the question as to 
whether or not the people wanted constitutional prohibition in this 
state. This was the most interesting proposition ever presented 
to the people of the state, and one that enlisted more people in 
its opposition than a question of any other nature could have 
done. Party lines were almost eliminated, even religious denom- 
inations were divided on the question to the extent of almost 
causing schisms in their churches. The state republican conven- 
tix)n endorsed jjrohibition and nominated Mr. Richards of Fre- 
mont for Governor ; the democrats refused to endorse prohibi- 
tion at its state convention, and at Omaha in August nominated 
James E. Boyd for Governor. The populists nominated John 
Powers for Governor and endorsed prohibition. The two vital 
questions at issue were the election of Mr. Boyd and the defeat 
of prohibition, other political questions and all the other candi- 
dates were lost sight of. By consent of all the parties interested 
in those two issues, Ed. Rosewater was placed in general charge 
and was given plenary powers, which he did not abuse, but 
most skillfully made use of. The Supreme Court for some reason 
or other declared the registration law defective, thereby dis- 
pensing with registration in Omaha. As a consequence every 
man who presented himself was given the right to vote, a right 
and privilege which I assure you was exercised on that occasion. 
I am not exaggerating when I say that Omaha never looked so 
good since or before as it did to the people of Council Bluffs on 
that day, and the test of the strength of our foot bridge between 
Omaha and there was never more fully put to the test than on 
that occasion. Up to the time :\[r. Boyd got his nomination for 



OMAHA MEMORIES 41 

Governor I had never spoken to him since the time I contributed 
to his refusal to run for mayor the third time. This reconcilia- 
tion was brought about at Mr. Boyd's own request through Ed. 
Rosewater, in his appeal to me to protect the state from the blight 
of prohibition. At Mr. Rosewater's request I made a number of 
speeches in support of his fight, for which acts I have no reasons 
to regret nor any apology to offer. Prohibition was defeated, Mr. 
Boyd was elected and Nebraska has ever since been kept in the 
coldumns of the safe, sane and progressive states of the Union. 
It was this year that W. J. Bryan first appeared upon the polit- 
ical horizon. Little was known of him here until he made a 
speech in Boyd's Theater, one year before the time of Mr. 
Boyd's nomination for Governor. He spoke on the tariff, 
and everyone there was taken by surprise at his able elucidation 
of his subject. A few months afterward the Democratic County 
Convention was held in Omaha and delegates were selected to the 
Congressional Convention at Lincoln. I was one of those chosen, 
and for the first time I met Mr. Bryan. He was sitting on a 
barrel near the sidewalk and was wearing a short alpaca coat. 
He soon informed me that he was a candidate for Congress. 
I asked him how he stood on the prohibition question. He said 
that "he was his own prohibitionist," and studiously evaded the 
question, and the laughable part of it was that he got away with 
it. Major AV. S. Paddock of Douglas County was selected as 
chairman of the convention and there were four candidates before 
it — Mr. Bryan, M. V. Gannon, Mayor Cushing of Omaha and 
Judge Bibbs of Beatrice. W. R. Vaughan, ex-mayor of Council 
Bluffs, and then editor of the Omaha Democrat, was pushing 
Mr. Gannon ; I was supporting Mayor Cushing ; the Gage County 
delegates were supporting Mr. Bibbs, and the Lancaster County 
delegation, ]\Ir. Bryan, backed by Frank R. JMorrissey, former 
editor of the Omaha Herald, and at that time health commis- 
sioner of Omaha. There was no choice on the first ballot. The 
Douglas County delegation in the meantime were indulging in 
the pastime of crimination and recrimination. Mr. Bryan finding 
this his opportune time, walked hurriedly up to the platform 
and in a burst of eloquence appealed to the Doug-las County 
delegation for harmonious action, stating that if he received the 
•nomination he would look to Douglas County for the biggest 
part of his vote. This proved a master-stroke of diplomacy, and 
as a result the delegation gave him 'the unanimous vote of the 
county, and he was nominated- — hence the commencement of Mr. 
Bryan's eventful political career. On his first visit to Omaha 
after his nomination I met him on the celebrated Wabash Corner, 
Fifteenth and Farnam Streets. He was surrounded by a crowd 
of democrats, among whom were James E. Boyd, C. V. Gallagher, 
Frank IMorrissey, T. A. M'egeath, Paddy Ford, Charles Ogden, 
P. W. Lynch, Andy Monahan and Al. Cogsall. He hailed me 
and said he wanted me to take him through the First and Second 



42 OMAHAMEMORIES 



wards of Omaha some night at my leisure, A few nights aft- 
erwards we made the trip, accompanied by George Holmes and 
John Murphy, both of the Second ward, and both yet living 
here. JMr. Holmes is noAv an attorne.y, and Mr. Murphj^ is in the 
employ of the government in the commissary department. The 
only canvass one could make in those days after dark was through 
the saloons, and the first one we entered was on the northwest 
corner of Sixteenth and William Streets, run by Charles Kam- 
erah. I called for the drinks, and there were some ten men in the 
saloon; all took beer except Mr, Bryan, who drank a soda. I 
asked the proprietor for the bill which he said was $7.50. I told 
him to call at my office next day and I would pay it. Among 
other saloons visited was the one in the old Kasper Hall, now 
Metz Hall. There were some tAventy men there sitting at tables 
drinking "bulaeecks, " or big glasses of beer. Mr. 'Bryan 
asked the crowd to have a cigar with him, but they drank their 
''cigars." I told the proprietors to send the bill to me, which 
was $12.60. The next morning my creditors called for their 
money, and when I told them I was the one and not Mr. Bryan 
who was paying those bills, they cut 450 per cent in one case 
and 900 in the other. I simply mention the reductions to show 
how candidates were held up in those days, Mr. Bryan had as 
his opponent W. J. Connell of Omaha, who was seeking his sec- 
ond term. During one of Mr. Connell 's speeches he had occasion 
to refer to the reduction of the tariff on nails, as advocated in the 
democratic platform. This utterance of his proved very unfor- 
tunate for him in his campaign, as was evidenced from their joint 
debate in the old P^xposition building here. Mr. Bryan carried 
with him a wire nail and used it to illustrate the need of it in 
the homes of the people of the west, and their inabilitj^ to buy 
them because of the republican high tarifl:'. From and after that 
debate Mr. Connell lost heart in his campaign, and as a result 
Mr. Brj-an Avas elected by a majority of 10,000 votes, and in a 
republican congressional district. 

CHAPTER Xn. 

1891. 

The year 1891 was not one of great achievement for Omaha. 
The general stagnation of business throughout the country was 
beginning to be felt here as elsewhere. This, added to the drouth 
which prevailed for some time in the middle west, causing the 
loss of crops, much depreciation in land values and general unrest 
among the people. This condition of things was not confined to 
that year alone, but became worse each year for the period of six 
years, as will be told in another chapter of these Recollections. 
JEarly in January James E. Boyd was installed as Governor of 
the State and the only governor that Omaha produced since the 



OMAHAMEMORIES 43 

State was admitted to the Union. His entrance, however, was 
not by or through the door of easy access, as the day before he 
was to take his seat I was one of a party that accompanied him 
to Lincoln. He looked fatigued, disheartened and discouraged, 
because his opponent on the populist ticket was contesting his 
seat. The House had a majority of populist members, who were 
determined to gain possession of the organization and in joint 
session declare Mr. Powers governor. This attempt, however, 
was thwarted by a large delegation of men from Omaha, Avho, in 
spite of the State Militia, who were patrolling the corridors of 
the State Capitol, forced in the door of the House of Represent- 
atives and installed George D. Meiklejohn, the newly elected 
Lieutenant Governor, as presiding officer of the joint session of 
both houses, who immediately declared Mr. Boyd the duly elected 
Governor, whereupon he forthwith took the oath of office, it being 
administered by Chief Justice Maxwell. Poor Boj^d ! he was 
not yet permitted to sleep on a bed of roses. His citizenship was 
brought into question by his predecessor. Governor Thayer, re- 
fusing to vacate the office. Our Supreme Court sustained Thayer's 
contention and he retained possession of the office, which he held 
pending an appeal to the United States Supreme Court, where 
Mr. Boyd's eligibility was sustained and he again was inaugu- 
rated in glow and splendor in April, 1892. In this contest John 
L. Webster of Omaha was counsel for Mr. Thayer, and General 
John C. Cowin for Governor Boyd. While this narrative was 
not really an Omaha happening, yet the people of Omaha were 
at the time as much interested in the outcome as though it had 
happened here, Mr. Boyd being an old and honored resident of 
this city at the time ; hence my reason for inserting it. 

It was during this year that President Harrison paid a visit 
to Omaha on his return from the Pacific Coast and pending the 
Boyd-Thayer contest. A few days prior to his arrival I intro- 
duced in the city council a resolution Avhich was adopted, which 
in substance placed the council on record as declaring that one 
John M. Thayer, being an usurper of the office of Governor of 
this State, that on that occasion he be treated and classed as a 
private citizen, and that James E. Boyd be recognized as the 
Governor of the State, and that he be accorded that honor. This 
resolution met with the hearty approval of the people of Omaha. 
On the arrival of Mr. Thayer and his staff at the depot, only 
shrewd diplomacy on the part of Councilman Tom Lowry, who 
had charge of the parade, prevented a riot, as ]Mr. Thayer had 
read of the action of the city council and, being a pompous and 
fiery old gentleman, he manifested a firm determination to resent 
what he termed an insult to his high official position. Without 
his knowledge he was placed some twenty carriages behind Mr. 
Boyd, and he never knew the difference until the day he died. 
Had he been in front I am confident his presence would have cre- 
ated a riot. The President and Jerry Rusk, his secretary of agri- 



44 OMAHAMEMORIES 



culture, made speeches from a platform erected on the northeast 
corner of the old Court House terrace, Seventeenth and Farnam 
Streets. While here the President was the guest of former United 
States Senator Alvin Saunders, whose daughter married the Pres- 
ident 's son, Russell. A reception was held at the Saunders 
residence on Sherman Avenue and Clark Street. It was my 
pleasure to be one of the guests on that occasion. 

There sprang up in our midst that year a plague far greater 
than the locust plague of Egj-pt, nay, even the yellow fever of 
the south — the la grippe of that year, or the memorable "hook 
worm." This plague was dignified by bearing the name of "Amer- 
ican Protective Association" (A. P. A.) God save the mark. Be 
it said to the credit of the native born American citizens, there 
were few of them at least prominentl}' identified Avith it. Their 
recruits came principally from naturalized former British sub- 
jects, such as Canadians, Scotch and English, with a scattering 
of Swedes. So zealous and jealous were they of the welfare of 
this nation and so sanguine that the Pope of Rome was soon to 
be installed in the City Hall of Omaha, that they had forgotten 
the patriotism of the Sullivans, Barreys and Montgomerys of 
Revolutionary fame, and the Sheridans, Shermans, Mahers, Coch- 
rans and Rosecrans who helped save the Union — all of them 
Roman Catholics. They were presumed to have all been Prot- 
estants, but T never knew any of them that ever worked overtime 
in the practice of any religion; they may all have differed in 
religious belief, but there was one thing they were all a unit on, 
and that Avas : hatred of an Irish Roman Catholic. The wor- 
shippers of Mahomed, Confucius and Budha were left to worship 
undisturbed, but the worshippers of the Meek and humble Naz- 
arene were hounded and despised. This was but the usual wave 
of periodical hysteria which often swept over the coinitr}'- — a 
causeless, reasonless fury of bigotry, where in this particular 
instance the courts became as furious as the mob — in fact it was 
a wave of hysteria like the Salem witchcraft insanity of IMassa- 
chusetts. Our courts, presided over by members of .this infuri- 
ated mob, where the lives, liberty and property interests of Roman 
Catholics Avere at stake, were prejudiced and wholly indifferent 
as to the justice of their cause; juries Avere packed and the mark 
of qualification Avas the "sign of the order," given Avhile rising 
to be sAvorn, in a mock pretense to qualifying. All of this, remem- 
ber, Avas in the name of "Patriotism and Religion;" in the lan- 
guage of ^ladam Roland, "Oh, religion and liberty, hoAV many 
crimes are committed in thy name." This calamity lasted for 
some three years, Avhen they began to break the rope of sand 
that bound them together. This, coupled Avith the mucilage bind- 
ing of the cohesive power of public plunder. When exposed, they 
fled like the Ilorans of Israel before the walls of Jerico, but not 
until they had looted our treasury and robbed tiie AvidoAVS and 
orphans. It is to be sincerely hoped that God in His mercy will 



OMAHAMEMORIES 45 



spare this comniimity from another such scourge as that of 
A. P. Aism. 

The city council of that year had, for the first time in the 
liistory of the city, become democratic, through trie previous fall 
election. Thomas Lowrey was made president, defeating me by 
one vote. In this connection- — it may not be generally known, 
but nevertheless true — it was that one vote that deprived me of 
l)eing mayor of Omaha for one year had I been elected president 
of the council. jVIayor Gushing had agreed to resign the office, 
as he had been losing money by holding it, his other business 
being badly neglected. The reason he assigned to me for not 
resigning was that he had no confidence in Mr. Lowrey and 
feared to entrust the city's affairs in his hands. This I am 
inclined to believe, for the reason that he had always requested 
me to represent him on occasions where he was expected to 
preside, thus ignoring Mr. Lowrey, the president of the council. 

On October 10th of that year, the day upon which Neal 
was hanged, there was confined in jail a negro named Smith, 
who was being held on suspicion of having ravished a little child 
whose name I do not now recall. The evening edition of the Bee 
erroneously reported that she had died by reason of the sup- 
posed assault. The hanging of Neal being fresh in the minds 
of the people, it required but little agitation to bring on the 
lynching of Smith. The news of the contemplated action spread 
like wildfire all over the city. The first information I had of it 
was about 9 :30 p. m. when I was returning from the Exposition 
building, where I had delivered a speech in support of an ordi- 
nance then pending, where a new company sought to secure a 
street railway franchise. Observing crowds of excited people 
running toAvard the county jail, curiosity moved me to follow. 
On my arrival there I found James E. Boyd, then Governor, 
and Judge George W. Doane, then Judge of the District Court, 
addressing the mob, advising them that the law take its course. 
When they were through I was called for and, being placed 
upon the edge of a window where I could barely stand, I ad- 
dressed the howling mob along the same lines as did the previous 
speakers. Having my cane in my hand, the pushing and jolting 
of the mob caused the cane to strike the window glass, making 
a tremendous crash, which was a very unfortunate occurrence, 
as it gave impetus to the mob, leaving the impression that the 
first step had been taken toward an entrance to the jail. In 
the mad rush of the infuriated mob I was thrown to the ground 
and barely escaped with my life. Waiting some little time in 
the crowd, I saw men coming from all directions with hammers 
and battering rams to break the doors and windows, which they 
very soon succeeded in doing, thereby effecting an entrance to 
the jail, where the breaking of locks and bars could be heard for 
more than a block awav. About 11 o'clock I had started home. 



46 OMAHA MEMORIES 

Having arrived on the corner of Seventeenth and Harney, I there 
waited a few moments, where I engaged in conversation with 
Governor Boyd, Gilbert Hitchcock and Rev. P. F. McCarthy, who 
were deploring the sad condition of things. Shortly after the 
crowd began surging toward us, dragging the unfortunate victim 
down the hill and through the crowd till they reached the 
northeast corner of Seventeenth and Harney Streets, there plac- 
ing a noose around the victim's neck and throwing the rope over 
a telephone wire, drew his lifeless body up and left it dangling 
in the air until it was removed by the Omaha Fire Department 
shortly afterward. The most unfortunate thing about this lynch- 
ing was the fact that there was no truth to the story that the 
supposed ravished girl was dead or even injured, and had the 
evidence been adduced it would have disclosed the fact that 
he was not guilty of the crime, which could and would have been 
proven had he had his preliminary hearing. This is but the 
rep'eated story of the acts of an infuriated mob. 

During the summer of that year the present City Hall was 
completed. The contractor, John F. Coots, issued a wail of lam- 
entation in which he complained of having lost money in its con- 
struction, owing to the vigilance of the mayor and city council. 
In order to recoup, he entered into collusion with W. I. Kierstead 
and others with a view of furnishing the City Hall with its 
necessary furniture, on the pretense that the furniture would be 
made in Coots' mill in Omaha. Securing the aid of an evening 
paper, he began to appeal to the council with the slogan, "To 
be made in Omaha," while in truth and in fact a Michigan firm 
was to turn out every piece of it. Bids were submitted, Mr. Coots 
bidding $40,000, the Ketchum Furniture Company of Cleveland, 
0., bidding $27,000, the Andrews Furniture Company of Chi- 
cago, $38,000. The Ketchum Furniture Company being the low- 
est bidder and having the best samples of furniture, their bid 
was accepted. Before the mayor could sign the contract he 
was served with an injunction, secured by Edward Rosewater, 
the hearing being before Hon. George W. Doane, District Judge. 
The hearing was the most laughable legal procedure ever tried 
before any court. It resulted in the court's refusal to sustain the 
injunction, and severely upbraided both Mr. Rosewater and his 
attorney, Ed. W. Simmeral. The mayor was represented by 
Hon. A. J. Poppleton, city attorney. That was nearly twenty- 
five years ago, and the same furniture is doing service in the 
City Hall at the present time. The taxpayers were saved $13,000, 
and Kierstead and Coots declared no dividend on that transac- 
tion. 

As stated in another article in these Recollections, ^Ms admin- 
istration began with the enmity of Mr. Rosewater, editor of the 
Bee, and was continually harrassed, everlastingly humiliated and 
deeply stung by his vituperation, his vitriolic outpouring of 



OMAHAMEM OKIES 47 

iuvectives, an art of which he was past grand master. Toward 
the latter part of that administration he began to direct his 
batteries against me alone. This no doubt was partly due to the 
fact that I was considered as the leader of the majority in that 
council and he Avauted to make sure of my defeat in the event 
of my candidacy for re-election (a purpose which I never had in 
mind, but of which he was ignorant). To accomplish the defeat 
of the retiring members of this council, he entered into collusion 
with the A. P. A. 's, the only concession exacted of them being 
that he be allowed to name the candidate for maj'or, all the other 
offices going to the good brothers of the order. This privilege 
was given him, and he named poor, eccentric, whimsical, old 
George P. Beniis, former secretarj^ to George Francis Train. All 
of their candidates were elected. Before retiring, this council 
was called upon to approve the bonds of the incoming officials, 
all of whom were duly approved without, discussion, except that 
of Henry Bolln, the new city treasurer-elect. This bond was in 
the sum of $1,000,000. Knowing Mr. Bolln 's weakness, as well 
as the crowd to whom he had given the right to select his office 
force, I began an investigation as to the financial standing of 
some of the men that were sureties on that bond and found 
that John Erk had signed for $60,000, Ed Wittig for $40,000, 
Max Meyer for $50,000. Upon inquiry I learned that John Erk, 
who formerly owned the hotel known as North Western on Six- 
teenth and Webster, was being foreclosed on a mortgage on this 
property in which he had but a slight equity and was soon to 
lose that ; Ed Wittig ran a saloon at 1420 Farnam Street and 
owned his own residence on Twenty-first and Marcy Streets, 
all of which would be properly exempt, while Max Meyer owned 
a jewelr^^ store in the Paxton Block and little or no real estate 
free from incumbrance, thus leaving John F. Coad, Sam E. 
Rogers and W. A. Paxton to pay in case of defalcation, which 
prediction was verified a few years afterward when Mr. Bolln 
defaulted. For this precaution I came in for another tirade of 
abuse from Mr. Eosewater, who exulted in the knowledge that 
I would soon be retired to private life where I could not attack 
the financial standing of Omaha's "business men." When the 
bond was sued upon, John Erk could not be found, Ed Wittig 
was traveling for a brewery, and Max Meyer had moved away 
and was traveling for a jewelry firm in Baltimore. I am proud 
that I was a member of that council and that administration, 
as no council before nor since has ever left behind it a greater 
monument of progress and economy ; none other more justly 
free from the breath of scandal or reckless expenditure of the 
people 's money ; one which for the first time in the history of our 
city council left a surplus in every fund, no warrant drawing 
interest for lack of funds, and no holder forced to discount the 
same. Yet they were ruthlessly and unceremoniously ' ' kicked out ' ' 
to make room for men who came in on the tidal wave of bigotry. 



48 OMAHAMEMORIES 

fanaticism and sham reformation, and whose exploits and defal- 
cations made the Goddess of Libert}^ on the City Hall weep and 
wail and exclaim, as did Mary Queen of Scots, "Many are the 
crimes committed in the name of patriotism and liberty." 

CHAPTER XIII. 
1892. 

On May 1st of that year the Methodist General Conference 
jnet in Omaha, and the session was held in the old Exposition 
building. There were delegates from all over the world, includ- 
ing bishops, laymen and, in fact, all the notables of that great 
church. This conference lasted for thirty days. During that 
time it rained continuously day and night. The most singular 
thing about it was that no sooner had the conference ended than 
it quit raining and we had a prolonged dry spell. In fact, 
the churches asked prayers for rain, which eventually came. 

On July 4 of that year the Populist National Convention was 
held in Omaha for the purpose of nominating a president and 
vice-president of the United States. The convention was in the 
old Coliseum and, while not a delegate to that convention, I 
acted as alternate in the absence of D. Clem Deaver, who had 
been elected a delegate from Nebraska from this congressional 
district. I attended each session and observed minutely all of the 
transactions, and in slang language, that was "some convention" 
— something doing all the time. One notable scene was that of 
the great parade of the delegates around the hall, following the 
address of ]\Iary Leese of Kansas. It had the appearance of 
pandemonium turned loose, a parade that M'ill pale into signifi- 
cance any ever witnessed in Omaha — banners waved, drums beat, 
flutes and fifes without number played. This uproar continued 
for more than an hour, and was only silenced by the thundering 
voices of W. V. Allen of Nebraska, James Weaver of Iowa and 
Marian Butler of South Carolina. Mr. Weaver was chairman 
of the convention. When the committee on platform and res- 
olutions made its report a like demonstration took place. Prom 
the days of Cicero, Demosthenes and Maribeau, there never con- 
vened a greater assemblage of orators. There were "Cyclone" 
Davis of Texas, "Calamity" Weller of Iowa, Mary Leese of 
Kansas, United States Senator Peff er and ' ' Sockless ' ' Jerry Simp- 
son of Kansas, Governor Wait of Colorado (commonly called 
"Bloody Bridlee" AVait) Ignacius Donnelly of Minnesota (he 
of Lord Bacon and Shakespeare fame) and our own Paul Van- 
derford, United States Senator Allen, Congressman AYilliam JMc- 
Keegan, John Powers, Congressmen Neville, Kemp, Suther- 
land, Silas Holcomb and W. A. Poynter and old Tom Watson of 
Georgia. On the afternoon of the second day of the convention, 
the order of business had reached the point of nominations for 



O M A H A M E M R I E S 49 

president and vice-president. The name of Walter Q. Gresham, 
a republican with progressive tendencies who had recently re- 
tird from the office of attorney general of the United States 
in President Harrison's cabinet, was presented and he received 
the nomination. The question of his acceptance was a doubtful 
one, and the convention took a recess until the next day. In the 
meantime a committee was appointed to ascertain whether or not 
Mr. Gresham would accept the nomination. It was late the fol- 
lowing day before an answer came, which was to the effect that 
he could not accept, whereupon Hon. James B. Weaver of Iowa 
was given the nomination for president, and that of vice-president 
was given to James Fields of Virginia. Shortly after Mr. Gresham 
had declined this nomination he was appointed one of the judges 
of the United States Circuit Court. Suspicion always rested 
upon him that this appointment was given as a reward for his 
declining that nomination for president. This was the opinion 
of James B. Weaver, as he plainly told me so in a conversation 
had with him at the Paxton Hotel in Omaha on the 20th of 
May, 1899, while here to deliver an address at a banquet given 
by the Peter Cooper Club, of which I was secretary. 

In September of this year the republicans held their con- 
gressional convention here, and David H. Mercer was resurrected 
from the position of master in chancery and made the nominee. 
This nomination evidently displeased the powers that then dom- 
inated the republican party (the A. P, A. 's), as was evident from 
the fact that at South Omaha a joint meeting of all of the camps 
was held and Mercer did not receive their endorsement — on the 
contrary, the Rev. R. L. Wheeler of South Omaha, the nominee 
of the Populist party, received it. In justice to Rev. Wheeler 
I must say from reliable information that he did not seek that 
endorsement, nor was he a member of the organization, he being 
a man too broad in his views to be affiliated with such men. 
Those who led the fight on Mr. Mercer were Dr. Glascow, then 
postmaster of South Omaha, and Mayor ]Miller of that city. A 
few weeks thereafter the democrats met for a like purpose at 
Patterson's Hall, Sixteenth and Farnani Streets. Edgar Iloward, 
editor of the Papillion Times, presided, and former Judge George 
W. Doane was nominated by acclamation. The platform of this 
convention advocated the gold standard, which began to be very 
unpopular among the democrats. As a result, he was defeated 
and Mr. Mercer was elected. 

About August 15th of that year the populist party held its 
county convention for the purpose of electing delegates to the 
state convention. The meeting was held in Clark's Hall, 103 
South Fourteenth Street. V. 0. Stuckler was made chairman. 
The sentiment was strong for a Van Wyck delegation for gov- 
ernor. This was evidenced by an incident that took place in the 
convention hall. John 0. Yeiser of Dundee precinct was a con- 



50 OMAHAMEMORIES 

testing delegate from that precinct and sought the seat of "Buf- 
falo" Jones, a unique character Avith long hair. Yeiser Avas 
opposed to Van Wyck, This did not rest AA^ell on the mind of 
a delegate from the Sixth w'ard, Mike O'Connell, a molder from 
the Union Pacific shops. When the committee on credentials, 
consisting of George A. Magney, D. Clem Deaver, Elmer Thomas 
and myself made our report, denying Yeiser his seat, he took 
the floor and asked to be heard in his oaa'u behalf. This AA^as more 
than O'Connell could stand and he proceeded forth AA'ith to relieve 
the couA'cntion of the delay incident to hearing Mr. Yeiser by 
taking him by the seat of the pants and the nape of his neck 
and rushing him doAAai tAvo flights of stairs and out into the 
street, AA-here he remained during the selection of delegates and 
the transaction of all other business. In this connection it is 
AA'ell to state that one could have as much fun in attending a 
populist couA^ention as they could in Avitnessing a circus or a 
vaudeville. Every delegate AA'as an orator and everj'one Avas sus- 
picious of the other, and for Avhat reason I never could learn, 
excepting that it may be a lurking suspicion that the one or the 
other may be friendly to corporate interests. Oh, AAdiat a skin- 
ning the tAvo old parties Avould get at their hands ! This is illus- 
trated by a speech I heard Cyclone Davis of Texas make in one 
of our Douglas County conventions. He stated that there AA^as no 
difference in these tAvo old parties; they w^ere likened by him to 
a man skinning the bark off of a tree — AA-^hen he skinned it upAvard 
he called it "high cockalorum" and Avhen doAA'^uAA'ard, "Ioaa' 
cockahirum" — in other Avords, they skinned the people either 
Avay. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

1893. 

The year 1893 brought to Omaha people more of the Avoes 
of hard times and business depression. There AA'as practiealh' 
nothing doing here. Men AA'ere being discharged or AA^orking 
half time in almost every field of industry: property A^alues Avere 
fast depreciating and no buildings Avere being erected. The 
World's Fair had opened up at Chicago and many Omaha fam- 
ilies had moA'ed there AA'ith the A'icAV of securing employment, 
most of them permanently locating there. This exposition proved 
of little value to this city, aside from giving employment to a 
feAv politicians, aa'IucIi proved a life saver to them. On March 
4, GroA'er Cleveland for the second time became president of the 
United States, and selected J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska as 
one of his cabinet officers, that of secretarA' of agriculture. This 
proved the crack of doom to the Boyd-Miller factions of the demo- 
cratic party and placed the Morton-BroAA'n faction completely in 
the saddle for the first time in the history of the party in this 
state. The scramble for office that folloAved Avould make a nigger 
take to the Avoods. EA-erA- man that ever voted the democratic 



OMAHAMEMORIES 51 

ticket in the state claimed to be a Morton follower since the state 
was admitted to the Union, while in truth and in fact 96 per 
cent of them were liars ; as that is the basis that I ran up against 
when I conducted Mr. Morton's campaign against the other fac- 
tion. However, it did not take him long to decide who were orig- 
inal Morton men and to whom to give the offices. 

The newly elected Board of Education, consisting of Kev. 
J. T. Duryea, Colonel Henry Akin, B. F. Thomas, Henry Know- 
dell and J. F. Burgess took their seats. Clinton Powell was 
elected president^ and Colonel Akins, vice-president. 

The Omaha Bridge and Terminal Company purchased 100 
acres of land in East Omaha for bridge and terminal purposes. 
A bridge was constructed which required some three years to 
complete. It is one of the finest in this western country, one of 
its spans being used for suspension purposes, permitting boats 
to pass up and down the river. It is now known as the Illinois 
Central bridge. 

The District Court in January of that year was wrestling 
with a laAvsuit instituted by Judge Doane, I. S. Ilascall and 
others to recover money paid by them in the purchase of lots 
sold from the land of the old County Poor Farm. The suit was 
instituted against Douglas County, the point of contention raised 
by the plaintiffs I do not now recall. 

Mayor Miller's body was exhumed after being buried for 
a week. He w^as at the time of his death mayor of South Omaha, 
and was found dead in a vacant lot on lower Ninth Street here. 
Having been elected to the office on what was then known as 
the A. P. A. ticket, suspicion on the part of members of that 
organization pointed to the possibility of his having been mur- 
dered by or through Roman Catholic influences, but the evidence 
disclosed the fact that he came to his death at his own hands, 
with suicidal intent. 

On January 14 of this year Ex-President Hayes died. He 
having had many personal friends in Omaha, much sorrow was 
manifest, not only among them but the public in general. The 
flags on public buildings, including the Post Office, Army Head- 
quarters and Fort Omaha, were at half mast, and the usual num- 
ber of cannons were fired at the Fort. 

In the early part of the year Frank Kleffner was killed 
by stepping backward into an elevator shaft. He was an old 
and honored- citizen of Omaha, and for a number of years was 
chief of the fire department here. He was such at the time of 
the Grand Central fire, and much undeserved criticism was heaped 
upon him because of the disastrous results of that memorable 
fire. Afterwards he was block watchman and had often told 
me that he was never the same man after that fire. 



52 OMAHAMEMORIES 

The old jail was ordered removed from Sixteenth and Far- 
nam Streets under an old frame building where now stands the 
United States National Bank and then used as the City Hall. 
The reason assigned by the Omaha papers for its removal Avas 
that "it smelled to heaven," which I am sure was a true, good 
and sufficient one. 

Governor Crounse succeeded Governor Boyd, many people 
from Omaha attending the inaugural ball and witnessing the 
Governor taking the oath of office. It proved a tame afl^air in 
comparison to the inauguration of Governor Boyd two years 
before, when the state militia crowded the State House, under 
orders from the retiring Governor Thayer, who refused to yield 
the office to his successor, Mr. Boyd. 

The Commercial Club of Omaha was organized with Her- 
man Kounte as president and W. A. L. Gibbon as secretary. It 
was organized in the old Board of Trade building at Sixteenth 
and Farnam, and it was but in recent years that it has been 
known as the Commercial Club — it being called the Board of 
Trade. 

The Y. AY. C. A. and the AYoman's Club were both started 
here this year. 

The Army Headquarters, which had been located in the Bee 
building, Avere moved to the United States National Bank build- 
ing. 

The northeast corner of Seventeenth and Douglas Streets 
was leased for ninety-nine years for the sum of $3,600 annually 
by the Bressler Building Company. 

CHAPTER XV. 

1894. 

In January' of this year George P. Bemis took his seat for 
the second time as mayor of Omaha, having defeated Jeff W. 
Bedford, democrat, and I. S. Ilascall, populist and the candidate 
of the A. P. A. 's. The incidents of importance in his administra 
tion are given in another chapter of these Recollections. 

John C. Drexel succeeded George A. Bennett as sheriff of 
Douglas Count}' after one of the most bitter fights ever waged 
for that office. Mr. Bennett was the nominee of the republican 
party and Drexel that of the democrats. 

That year Silas A. Holcombe was nominated by the popu- 
list party for governor at their convention at Grand Island. 
The democratic convention, which convened at the old Exposi- 
tion building in Omaha, after one of the hardest fights ever wit- 
nessed, endorsed j\Ir. Holcombe and a complete fusion ticket. 



OMAHAMEM OKIES 53 

This was the parting of the ways between the silver and gold 
advocates of the democratic part^^ W. J. Bryan made the speech 
placing Mr. Ilolcombe in nomination. I recall a part of his 
speech which was in substance: "I arise to perform a duty; 
whether the performance of that duty will cause me to sink 
or swim, I care not ; the platform of the man whom I am gonig 
to nominate differs but slightly and not upon an.y of the funda- 
mental principles of true democracy ; I therefore place in nomi- 
nation Silas A. Ilolcombe as the nominee of this convention." 
The republican state convention nominated Tom Majors of Peru 
for governor. Majors was a lifelong enemy of Ed. Rosewater, 
editor of the Bee. On the nomination of Majors, Mr. Rosewater 
tendered to the convention his resignation as republican national 
committeeman, which was immediately accepted by the conven- 
tion. Mr. Rosewater 's paper supported Silas A. Ilolcombe, who 
was elected. This was the occasion when Bryan laid the founda- 
tion for his nomination for the presidency. 

In August this state was visited b.y one of the hottest dry 
winds ever recorded in its history. It came from the southwest. 
having its beginning in Oklahoma, arriving in Omaha about 9 
o'clock p. m., August 15. So intense was the heat of that wind 
that people were driven into their homes or forced to seek shel- 
ter wherever it could be found. Even the furniture was so hot 
that it was uncomfortable to touch. This day marked an epoch 
in property depreciation in Nebraska. The crops were burned 
up and farm oAvners as well as homesteaders deserted their 
homes and left them to the tender mercy of the elements, I 
attended a state convention at Grand Island the following month 
and saw on the streets of that town some 200 covered wagons, 
or prairie schooners, loaded with the families and all their earthly 
possessions. The men were delegates to the convention on their 
way to some eastern states. Many stories are told of the disgust 
with which they were filled and their eagerness to depart. One 
of them that I recall was that of a homesteader in Sherman 
County, who hung the following sign on his door on leaving : 

"Good-bye, old homestead, I bid you fair adieu; 

Some day I may go to hell, but I'll never return to you." 

.Another was that of a farmer in Custer County who, while travel- 
ing in his wagon going east, having a small calf hitched to the 
back of the wagon, was met b,y another farmer who made his 
new friend a proposition that he would give him eight}^ acres 
for his calf, which proposition Avas accepted, the deed made, the 
maker chuckling to himself that he had got the best of the bar- 
gain, as the other man could not read, thereby taking advantage 
of his illiteracy unloading on him two eighties in place of one. 
The results of that ill-fated day were felt in this state for four 
years thereafter. Fortunately, however, that was the last scourge 
the state has experienced. The lands that were then abandoned 



54 OMAHAMEMORIES 

are now producing the finest of crops, and will bring all the way 
from $50 to $150 per acre, and few are willing to, sell at that 
price. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

1895. 

The year 1895 found the people of Omaha in anguish and 
despair. Times were gTowing harder and men and women were 
out of employment, with no ray of hope in sight. Raids by the ; 
depositors were made on manj^ of our strongest financial institu- 
tions, some of whom were fortunate enough to meet the demands 
made on them, thereby restoring confidence to the depositors, 
who in most cases re-deposited. Others were not so able to 
weather the storm and were forced to close their doors, notably 
the Nebraska Savings Bank, then located in the Board of Trade 
building; the McCague Savings Bank, in the McCague building; 
the Omaha Savings Bank, at Thirteenth and Douglas Streets; 
the Five Cents Savings Bank at 1502 Farnam Street, and the 
Dime Savings Bank at Sixteenth and Dodge Streets, Those fail- 
ures worked additional hardship and suffering on the public and 
the depositors, many of whom were forced to Avait for years the 
report of the receivers, then receiving but a few cents on the 
dollar. That year gold was discovered at Cripple Creek, Colo- 
rado, and many Omaha men left for the New Eldorado, I being 
one of them, remaining there at intervals for the greater part 
of that year. On one of my return trips I brought Avith me five 
$100 bills, which I had realized through a mining investment. 
Going into an Omaha department store and making a purchase, 
I offered one to be changed. To my surprise and humiliation 
I had every important attache of the place eyeing me with the 
suspicion due only a bank robber — this was but an instance of 
the scarcity of money at that time. 

That year W. J. Bryan was hired by G. M, Hitchcock as 
editor of his paper, the World-Herald, This was shortly after 
his defeat for United States Senator by John M. Thurston of 
Omaha, which position he was holding at the time he received 
the nomination for the presidency. 

Ida Gaskell was murdered in Omaha by a man giving the 
name of George Morgan. She was strangled and raped by him 
and her bodj' horribly mutilated. He was tried and found guilty 
of murder and sentenced to be hanged. An appeal was taken 
to the Supreme Court by his attorney, R. W. Patrick, but the 
Supreme Court sustained the verdict of the jury, and he was 
hanged in the yard of the old County Jail in May, 1897. How- 
ard Baldridge was then county attorney. Captain Haze made 
the arrest and furnished the evidence. 



OMAHA MEMORIES =5 

That year Ed. Rosewater completely severed his connection 
with the A. P. A.'s, whom he had successfully used as voting 
cattle to drive the Irish out of office. Whether they severed their 
connection with him, or he with them, I cannot say, but they 
no longer worked in unison and harmony. Judging from a few 
pet expressions used by him, emitted from this trenchant editor 
and his vitriolic pen, such as ' ' Venal Vampires, Cuttle-fish, Howl- 
ing Dervishes," etc., I came to the conclusion that there had 
been an absolute decree of divorce granted. While in this mood 
he called what he termed a "Citizen's Convention," picking from 
the nominees of the tM^o old parties such men as met with his 
approval. For sheriff he indorsed John Drexel, who was defeated 
hy John McDonald ; for county judge he nominated Irving Bax- 
ter, who defeated J. W. Eller; W. A. Coe, who was defeated by 
Albion Frank for clerk of the District Court, and Thomas Hoc- 
tor, who defeated Henry Kelsey of Millard for county commis- 
sioner. While in like mood, he indorsed Charles H. Brown for 
mayor of Omaha, who was defeated by W. J. Broach. However, 
be it said to his credit and to his cherished memory, that he 
finally rid this community of a band of moral lepers, who must 
have had their conception in the womb of hell, and spat out of 
the nauseating and, ulcerating mouth of the devil himself. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

1896. 

The year 1896 was ushered in with but little occasion for 
flourish of trumpets or merry ringing of chimes. The people of 
Omaha, and the whole nation, for that matter, werfe in no humor 
for hilarity, for the fifth year of the greatest era of hard times, 
panic and general depression that this country had ever experi- 
enced was being endured, and with no apparent sign of relief. 
Every treasured hope proved but a phantom ; the prophecy of 
the wise ones was but tinkling cjanbals and sounding brass. With 
uplifted eyes and outstretched arms, they directed their appeals 
to a benign Providence, and with the slightest ray of hope their 
hearts were filled with joy, and in chorus would exclaim : 

"Dost thou bear on thy pinion 

One vesta of hope, from the starry dominion?" 

Soup houses and charity stores were the ones doing a thriving 
business. Men robust and rugged, willing to work if it could 
be had; men who were never known to depend upon the helping 
hands of a generous public for aid or assistance, were carrying 
to their homes food that was dished out through public or private 
charity. 

That year W. J. Bryan had received the nomination for 
the presidency, and great joy was manifest throughout the land, 
which was but another phantom, but to many it was hailed as 



56 OMAHAMEMORIES 

the panacea for all their ailments. All vacant stores in the down- 
town districts were used (not hired) as school houses to preach 
the doctrine of 16 to 1, or in other words, the ratio of silver 
to gold, tiiat should be decreed in a gold dollar. Bryan had 
secured the nomination upon a platform that, among many other 
vagaries, contained the free silver plank. This plank had a very 
captivating sound — and the average person suffering from de- 
pression, like a drowning man, was willing to grab at a straw. 

Hundreds of men, from early morning till midnight, listened 
to the harangues of men who were assigned in three shifts to 
feed the multitude on sophistry and bosh, using as their undis- 
puted authority "C*ain Harvey's Pamphlet on Free Silver." Men 
who differed from this school of finance were abused, and in 
many instances attacked. So enthused had the people become 
that little else was thought of save the financial question. Our 
sidewalks and streets were black with eager listeners to some 
recent convert to the noble cause — men who could show you how 
they could pa}" our public debt of $300,000,000 in one year ; yet 
many of them Avere never known to figure out the system of pay- 
ing a month 's board in advance. They reminded me of the 
name Attorney Jerome of New York once applied to Bourke 
Cochran, "the Demosthenes of the Mulligan Guards." 

During the entire year I do not recall a single instance where 
money was invested in the construction of new buildings ; there 
was no apparent need of additional ones, as most of our stores 
were idle, also some 5,000 houses. 

One of the largest political parades in our history took place 
in Omaha on the night of October 10 of that year. It was a 
democratic parade, and all the nominees of the state and county 
fusion ticket headed it. It was a sight long to be remembered. 
Following this a few nights after came the republican parade 
and, while not so large, yet by far more noisy, as fireworks were 
used profusely. It was under the leadership of John Lewis, 
then chairman of the republican county central committee. 

It was that year that Ed. Rosewater challenged AV. J. Bryan 
to a joint debate on the financial issues of the da}'. The debate 
was held in the old Creighton Ilall on Fifteenth and Harney 
Streets. The honse Avas crowded to overflowing, each party to 
the debate having their friends and their interest in the subject 
matter. Being one of the audience and free from prejudice, I 
would say that Mr. Rosewater had the better of the debate and 
the greater applaus. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 57 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

1897. 

The year 1897 brought with it hope and cheer; the clouds 
■were presenting a silver lining; the sun of prosperity had begun 
to shed its radiant light through the dense fog and mist that for 
five years had enveloped the financial world. Evidence of com- 
ing prosperity began shortly after the presidential election, and 
confidence was fast taking the place of doubt and despair. This 
disposition on the part of the people was fast assuming a pro- 
portion that grew as it spread, and by IMarch 4, the day of the 
inauguration of President McKinley, business began to pick up. 
The financial question had been settled once and for all time, 
and money was brought from its hiding place and opportunities 
for investing it were sought. 

Soup houses and charitable organizations were fast disap- 
pearing — ' ' Thank God, ' ' never to return. In their place and stead 
were real estate offices and commercial organizations. The first 
permanent apparent indication of a return of prosperity was the 
awakening of the building boom and the rise in real estate values ; 
the return of the people to Omaha, and the rapid and sane buy- 
ing and renting of homes. Houses that for two and three years 
had been occupied by tenants free were repaired, sold or rented 
at good prices, and in many instances to the former tenants. 
During that year more houses were built and more real estate 
sold than all the years from 1887 up to that time. The city was 
slowly and sanely beginning to boom ; enterprises that had been 
closed for years reopened and men soon found steady employ- 
ment, and one began to feel like living again. 

That year it was decided to hold at Omaha one of the great- 
est expositions ever held in this country. This gave added 
impetus to the growing boom. It was the Trans-Mississippi 
Exposition, which in 1898 was located here. As early as June 
preparations were being made for this coming event, which was 
to open one year thereafter. The location selected was the old 
race track, the property of Herman Kountze, comprising some 
sixty acres, bounded on the east by Sherman Avenue, on the 
north by Pratt Street, on the west by Twenty-fourth Street and 
the south by Pinkney Street. During the construction of the 
buildings and laying out of the grounds, hundreds of men were 
employed, and many families moved to Omaha, where they bought 
homes and became permanently located. 

After so many years of financial depression, it was joy to 
the heart and souls of us all to hear the pleasing sound of hun- 
dreds of hammers and saws and the presentment of so many 
beautiful buildings in course of construction. The new white city 
seemed but magic, rising Phoenix-like from clay — nay, like read- 
ing a chapter from the Arabian Nights, 



58 OMAHAMEMORIES 

CHAPTER XIX. 

1898. 

In 1898 the joy bells began to ring, not in gay Malehide, but 
in Omaha; nature seemed to have removed that staring, dejected 
and melancholy look from the faces of the people, and in its 
stead left a look of joy, hope, confidence and contentment. A 
smile like unto that which spread upon the faces of the children 
of Israel when led out of the land of Egj^pt and the house of 
bondage. That year began the onward stride of Omaha's prog- 
ress, and from that day until this writing she has advanced 
by leaps and bounds and with such momentum that at this time 
she is safely beyond the reach of all fears, save that of possible 
fanatical legislation. 

The gates of this great exposition were opened on June 1, 
as per schedule, and on that day there were 28,000 paid admis- 
sions. From day to day the attendance varied, the lowest record 
being that of September 12 — South Dakota and Sons of Veterans' 
Day— the attendance being but 7,994. The greatest attendance 
was President's Day, October 12, when there were 98,845. The 
closing day, or Omaha Day, there were 61,236 paid admissions. 
In all there was a total attendance, ending October 31, of 
2,613,508 persons. 

Dliring that exposition manj^ of the most prominent men of 
the nation visited here — some for the first time, others Avho had 
not seen Omaha for a third of a century — but all, both in public 
speech and private conversation, marveled at its growth and pre- 
dicted a great future for both the city and state ; which predic- 
tions, after but the short period of two decades, are being fully 
verified. 

Some of the noted men who visited this exposition and who 
delivered addresses were President McKinley, W. J. Bryan, 
Chauncey M. Depew, John Jacob Astor, United States Senator 
W. V. Allen, Governor Silas A. Ilolcombe, J. Sterling Morton 
and many others, including the governors or representatives of 
the following states : Illinois, Iowa, Montana, Georgia, Utah, 
Ohio, New York, Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, AVisconsin. 
Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, JMis- 
souri, Colorado, Texas and the territory of Arizona. 

Unfortunately, strained relations existed between this coun- 
try and Spain during the early part of 1898, folloAved by the 
declaration of war, which naturally interfered with the plans 
and progress of the promoters of the exposition, but, notwith- 
standing this drawback, so well did the exposition succeed that 
it has the undisputed title to the claim of being the first and 
only one of the kind before or since in America to pay back to 
the stockholders 90 per cent of the face value of their stock. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 59 

Much credit is due to many men for the success of this great 
exposition and, without wishing to deprive any of the many who 
contributed their share to its success, j^et the greater respon- 
sibility rested with the departmental managers, its officers and 
executive committee, consisting of Gurdon W. Wattles, president ; 
Alvin Saunders, vice-president ; John A, Wakefield, secretary ; 
Herman Kountze, treasurer, and Carroll S. Montgomer^^ general 
counsel. The executive committee consisted of Z. T. Lindsay, Ed. 
Rosewater, Freeman P. Kirkendall, G. M. Hitchcock, Edw. E. 
Bruce, Charles F. Manderson, A. L. Reed, William Babcock, T. 
S. Clarkson and Walker & Kimball, architects in chief. Not 
wishing in the slightest manner to detract from the many whose 
time, energy and money were spent in making that the greatest 
and most successful exposition the world has ever seen, yet there 
is one man to whom too much praise cannot be given and that 
man is Gurdon W. Wattles, who was president of the exposition. 
I did not know him prior to 1897, and there were thousands of 
others who, like myself, did not know or even dream that a man 
of such exceptional ability lived in this state. At that time I 
heard men from all parts of this nation praise Mr. Wattles for 
the executive ability he possessed, and for his clear, logical and 
forcible public addresses. 

There was scarcely a day during that exposition that he was 
not called upon to welcime gatherings of various kinds, as well 
as men of world-wide fame, none of which occasions proved too 
great for his masterly possession of the English language. When 
his addresses were listened to or read from the public press men 
marveled at the fluency wdth which they w^ere delivered and 
the spontaneous outburst of eloquence and logic with which 
they were characterized. To him is due much of the credit of 
placing this city on the map, since which time Omahans have 
worked in hilarious unanimity and things have gone with them as 
smoothly sweet and as sweetly smooth as the mother's rocking 
of the cradle of her babe. May his shadow never grow less. 

CHAPTER XX. 
1899. 

In 1899 an effort was made by many enthusiastic boosters 
of Omaha to continue the exposition for another year. . These 
efforts were in a measure carried out, but time proved the fallacy 
of the undertaking, and after a few months spent in a futile 
effort to consummate the undertaking it was shown to be a huge 
joke and failure ; it soon fizzled out, resulting in a financial loss 
to all concerned. 

That year P. E. Her claimed to have discovered natural gas 
belching from one of his lots on Third and Pine Streets. After 



60 OMAHAMEMORIES 

boring some hundreds of feet the project was abandoned. The 
boom, thouG,h a short one, created no little excitement during its 
life. 

That year the Douglas County republican convention con- 
vened at Washington Hall, vrhen and where the usual dog and 
cat fight was the sole attraction. I. G. Baright was in full con- 
trol of the convention and secured the nomination for clerk of 
the District Court, and could have named all of the candidates 
and to the satisfaction of the party, but he chose to do otherwise. 
Had he given the nomination for sheriff to Miles Mitchel of 
South Om«ha instead of John McDonald, that of county judge 
to Charles S. Elgutter instead of D. M. Vinsonhaler, he would 
have secured the South Omaha vote and the support of Ed. Kose- 
water of the Bee in support of his candidacy. As a result he 
was defeated at the election. The democrats acted more the 
part of wisdom. They gave the nomination for this office to 
Frank A. Broadwell of South Omaha, who was elected. 

That year the Southwest Improvement Club was organized, 
it being one of the first improvement clubs organized in this 
city. I was one of its charter members. The object of the club 
was two-fold in its nature — the one to secure improvements for 
the southwestern part of the city, the other to secure a viaduct 
across Twent^'-fourth Street and the railroad tracks. The viaduct 
developed to be the principal business of the club for the first 
two years of its existence ; to get this prize was not an easy 
task, as the railroads were in no mood to expend the money nec- 
essary in the consti'uction of such an expensive structure as the 
one demanded. Upon the repeated refusals of the company to 
give any encouragement to the members of the club, much indig- 
nation was manifested, both against the company and the city 
council. This protest reached such a proportion as to challenge 
their attention, which resulted in the passage of an ordinance by 
the council providing for the construction of the viaduct. The 
construction necessitated no award of damages and in 1901 it 
was completed, bringing that part of the city to the notice of 
many who have since bought and built fine homes there. The 
building of this viaduct brought with it many other valuable 
improvements. Shortly after its construction the Street Railway 
Company ran one of its lines over TAventy-fourth Street and 
across this viaduct, business houses were soon erected and the 
street is fast becoming a business thoroughfare, giving the trav- 
eling public a straight carline from Florence to Bellevue. 

For this stroke of enterprise too much credit cannot be 
given to the little band that constituted the Southwest Improve- 
ment Club. As I recall them they were IMartin Feenan, W. II. 
Green, Dan Shull, Louis Peterson, J. Pritchard, Fred Shammell, 
Henr}' Rohlft", A. Zatsman, the Lehnmnn brothers and myself. 



OMAHAMBMORIES 61 

CHAPTER XXI. 

1900. 

The 3'ear 1900 found the people of Omaha in possession of 
health, happiness and prosperity, the results of republican na- 
tional supremacy, and the eclat of the late International Exposi- 
tion. Pew, if any, were idle, and the busy hum of industry was 
heard and could be seen on everj^ hand. Immigration was fast 
pouring into our state, wholesale houses were being established 
here, parks and boulevards were improved or constructed — all 
giving evidence of our city's future greatness, permanency and 
stability. In short, not a cloud appeared upon the horizon with- 
out its silver lining. 

That was presidential year, and the political wheels began 
to revolve, and from the start it was evident that W. J. Br^^an 
and Major ^McKinley would, for the second time, be the candi- 
dates of their respective parties, which prediction proved true 
in June of that year. Major McKinley secured the nomination 
of the republican party at Philadelphia, and Mr. Bryan that of 
the democratic party at Kansas City, also that of the populist 
and silver republicans. The democratic party, having Jonah-like 
swallowed the populist party, many of the old-line populists re- 
fused to be swallowed, more especially in this state. As a result 
they entered a mild protest, holding a delegate state and national 
convention, the former at Lincoln and the latter at Cincinnati, in 
May of that year. I was a delegate to both of those conventions, 
and recall with pleasure both memorable occasions. 

The convention at Lincoln was for the purpose of formu- 
lating the new party and the selection of delegates to the national 
convention, at which place and time I was made secretary of the 
convention and secretary of the state central committee and 
a delegate to the national convention. At the national conven- 
tion, Whorton Barker of Philadelphia and Ignacius Donnelly of 
^Minnesota were nominated for president and vice-president, re- 
spectively. Upon our return a weekly paper was launched, ' ' The 
True Populist." It was edited by DeClem Deaver, Ed. Leaven- 
worth and myself. This paper had a wide circulation throughout 
the state and nation, as Mr. Deaver had up to 1900 been the chair- 
man of the national committee of the populist party, resigning 
that year becavise of the tendency of the party toward Bryan 
and his followers. 

IMr. Deaver at the time of his resignation had been steward 
at the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Omaha. His resignation from 
the national committee incurred the displeasure of the then Gov- 
ernor Poynter. As a consequence he was removed and a demo- 
crat — William Seavers — Avas appointed in his place. This added 
fuel to the flames, and a bitter feeling arose against the governor. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



At that time the populist party of this county had for the 
past two years maintained elaborate headquarters at 1515 How- 
ard Street. This club was kno"WTi as the "Peter Cooper Club," 
which organization I was the instrument of forming and its sec- 
retary during its lifetime. A division in the party having arisen, 
we were fast coming to the parting of the roads. This culmi- 
nated on June 1 of that year, when the populist-fusionists, "pie- 
biters," under the democratic party, sought to gain possession 
of the rooms. This, however, was not without a struggle, as 
Victor "Wilson of Stromsburg, then state bank examiner and a 
resident of Omaha and member of the club, aided and abetted 
by members John Barnett, George A. Maguey, J. B. Jones, John 
O. Yeiser, Elmer E. Thomas and a few others of their following 
demanded and took forcible possession. Being dispossessed, we 
began to devise Avays and means of regaining possession. To that 
end Mr. Deaver, L. V. Guye and Ed. Leavenworth proceeded to 
my office and there I drew up articles of incorporation and in- 
corporated the organization, filing them the next morning with 
the County Clerk. We then by a ruse gained possession and 
changed the locks, thereby remaining in peace during the life of 
the club. This was the state headquarters of what was known 
as the "middle of the road" populists party during the cam- 
paign of that year. After having defeated Mr. Bryan in this 
state as well as the entire democratic state ticket and killing the 
populist party as well, we adjourned sine die, sold the furniture 
and affiliated with the old parties, some with the democratic, some 
with the socialists, I joining fortunes with the republicans, with 
whom I have ever since remained. 

Of the populist party I will say, that during the eight years 
that I was connected with it, they were years of pleasant 
memories; in that party I met some of the brightest and brainiest 
men that I have ever known or ever expect to know. I met 
men in that party who knew more of the science of government 
than the professors in all our colleges in this nation ; from them 
I learned more than I ever expected to know in a lifetime ; they 
were not party men by inheritance but by careful research of 
mature investigation, men who had analyzed and solved every 
problem that the human mind stimulated by the best inspira- 
tions that man was capable of bringing to the task. All the 
reform legislation enacted into laws since then has been bor- 
rowed by both the old parties from the doctrines enunciated by 
the old bewhiskered populist party. 

And of the democrats I will say, that Avlien they succeeded 
in swallowing the populist party, they had more brains in their 
stomachs than in their heads. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 63 

CHAPTER XXII. 

1901. 

In 1901 I moved from Twenty-fifth and Poppleton Avenue 
to Twenty-second and Grant Streets. This was the first time 
during my long residence in Omaha that I had ever lived north 
of Burt Street; it seemed like moving to a new city, having lived 
in the Hanscom Park district for so many years. The topog- 
raphy of that part of the city was so vastly different that I 
felt like offering my new home for sale at a sacrifice, but I soon 
changed my mind and became acclimated, and waited until I 
traded it for a home in Kountze Place, where I resided until 
August of the year 1915, when I moved to my present home, 
1106 South Thirty-first Street. 

In that year (1901) the Twenty-fourth Street viaduct was 
completed and on Thanksgiving day was dedicated and opened 
to the public, the ceremonies taking place on the center of the 
structure. There were four speeches made on that occasion ; 
those who spoke were Andrew Rosewater, Mayor Frank E. 
Moores, Henry T. Clark and myself ; of those I regret to state 
that all are dead but me, and of them I will say "may their souls 
rest in peace," for they were all good and honored citizens, ever 
ready for renewed efforts in the preserving promotion of human 
happiness and the upbuild of Omaha. 

That year many Omaha people went to the inaugural ball 
of President McKinley on March 4th. So great was the crowd 
that a special car was chartered ; among them I noticed Edward 
Rosewater, Bradner D. Slaughter, William Summers, John C. 
Wharton and John L. Kennedy. 

Unfortunately the joy of that occasion was soon to be turned 
into gloom, as it was that year that the noble McKinley was 
assassinated at the Buffalo Exposition, by an anarchist whose 
name I cannot and do not wish to remember. The news of the 
sorrowful tragedy reached Omaha about 4 o'clock P. M., Sep- 
tember 6th. The first to tell me of it was John B. Furay, a 
personal friend of the president ; the report soon spread like 
wildfire, crowds assembled on all corners, with sorrowful faces 
discussing the tragedy and silently praying for his recovery. 
Extra papers were issued every hour and sold as fast as the 
press could print them. This fever of excitement continued from 
day to day until the president drew his last breath, September 
y4th, Avhen many a strong man wept like a little child both in 
private and in public, showing conclusively how dear and near 
he was to the hearts of the American people. On the day of 
the funeral, memorial services were held in Boyd's Opera House, 
at which fitting and appropriate addresses were delivered by 
John M. Thurston, Edward Rosewater, John L. Webster, John 



64 OMAHA MEMORIES 

C. Cowin and W. J. Coimell, recalling to the minds of the people 
the day that President Garfield was buried, as the same men 
spoke on that occasion just twenty years before. The day was 
declared a holiday and business houses and all public buildings 
were closed, as were also railroad shops and headquarters. 

There Avere but few^ incidents other than those here related, 
during the year 1901, save the installation of a few public offi- 
cials. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

1902. 

In January of 1902, George W. Shields succeeded himself 
as County Attorney, and appointed as his deputies I. J. Dunn, 
Harry Burnam and John H. Grossman. In the campaign just 
closed he defeated John W. Parrish, republican ; in that cam- 
paign Shields Avas opposed by the most powerful combination 
that ever fought a candidate for office in this county. It con- 
sisted of Edward Rosewater, Mayor Moores, A. B. Hunt, of the 
waterworks, and Tom Dennison, who had just been installed as 
Third Ward boss. The gamblers of Omaha and South Omaha 
sought to defeat Judge Shields in the convention. To that end 
they raised a purse and selected J. B. Kilkenny as the one to 
defeat him ; added to this they had the convention located in 
South Omaha, for the first time in the history of the county, 
but to no avail, as he was nominated and elected. 

In April of that year Omaha was visited by an unusually 
high wind which played havoc Math billboards, signs and un- 
finished frame buildings, making its appearance about eight 
o'clock in the evening. It did considerable damage and many 
casualties were reported, among them being that sustained by 
ex-Mayor Bemis, who, wdiile on his way home, had his leg broken 
by a fallen billboard, on Nineteenth and Farnam Streets, result- 
ing in his being a cripple for a number of years afterward, or 
until the $20,000 lawsuit which he instituted against the city as 
damages, was liquidated and settled, since which time his 
crutches were, by order of his attorney, W. J. Connell, placed in 
cold storage. 

The Sacred Heart Church at Twenty-second and Binney 
Streets was dedicated with much ceremony, Bishop Richard 
Scannell officiating. 

A terrific boiler explosion occurred at the Swift Packing 
House, resulting in the fatal injury to three men, and much 
damage to the plant. 

The well-known and long-established firm of W. R. Bennett 
went into the hands of a receiver, with liabilities far in excess 
of its assets. Much of this financial ill-luck was no doubt brought 



OMAHAMEMORIES 65 

about through a change of location, having moved to Sixteenth 
and Harney before business had reached that far south on Six- 
teenth Street. 

In December of that year Campbell Fair, dean of Trinity 
Cathedral, died. 

A fire in the stock yards at South Omaha caused a loss of 
$50,000. The street car lines on South Thirteenth and South 
Twenty-fourth streets were extended to South Omaha. 

Gilbert M. Hitchcock was, in November of that year, elected 
to Congress for the first time, having defeated his opponent, 
Dave Mercer, by 1,500 majority. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

1903. 

On January 23, of this year, J. L. Brandeis, founder of the 
J. L. Brandeis Stores, died. 

The Omaha Coal Exchange formed a well planned trust, the 
purpose of which was to raise the price of coal. A man by the 
name of Howell (not Ed Howell) was elected president. This 
newly-born of the many then existing trusts, was swimming with 
the tide when it suddenly received a solar plexus blow at the 
hands of Judge A. L. Sutton, then judge of the District Court 
of Douglas County, criminal proceedings having been instituted 
against Mr. Howell, its president, — in violation of the anti-trust 
law of this state, resulting in Judge Sutton finding the defendant 
guilty and imposing a severe fine in addition to fining his 
attorney, W. J. Connell, for contempt of court, in his overzealous 
effort in behalf of his client. 

Detective Henry Heitfeldt shot Harry Woods while the 
officers were raiding a tough Third Ward joint, where a number 
of desperate criminals were congregated with a view and for 
the purpose of laying plans to kill a number of Omaha's police. 
Woods did not die from the wounds, and that Heitfeldt was not 
killed was due to his quick shot at the criminal. 

An explosion of a gas tank at Twentieth and Center Streets 
could be heard for miles; no serious loss was sustained, nor 
injuries reported but the debris was scattered for blocks around, 
demolishing windows and roofs of small houses. 

President Stickney of the Chicago & Great Western Rail- 
road delivered an address before the Commercial Club in which 
he advocated making Omaha a grain market, and outlined a 
plan of action which provided the nucleus around Avhich grew 
and from which sprang our present grain market, now the second 
largest in the world. To carry into effect his plans a tract of 



66 OMAHAMEMORIES 

land was purchased in the southwest part of the city, known 
as Sheeley Station, upon which is now built many grain ele- 
vators of enormous capacity. So successful was this under- 
taking that it resulted in the formation of a Grain Exchange, 
which at this writing has completed a six-story fireproof build- 
ing at Nineteenth and Harney streets and known as the Grain 
Exchange Building. In the fall of that year ncAvs reached 
Omaha of the disastrous Iroquois fire at Chicago ; many Omahans 
were in much distress concerning friends and relatives whom 
they feared might have been victims of the disaster, but when 
reports were all in it developed that but two Omaha people had 
lost their lives and one seriously injured in that memorable fire. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

1904. 

In January of that year Attorney W. C. Ives died of appen- 
dicitis. He was an old resident of this city and brother-in-law 
of Attorney W. J. Connell. 

Count Creighton donated to the Creighton University the 
Creighton and Arlington Blocks, properties valued at $250,000. 

Congressman Hitchcock secured a victory for Omaha in 
maintaining the Indian Avarehouse at this place, in addition to 
getting an appropriation of $10,000 for its maintenance. 

Superintendent Pearse of the Omaha schools was elected 
superintendent of the schools of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, severing 
his connection with this city, having served as superintendent 
of schools at this place for ten j^ears. 

R. Beecher Howell filed charges against and secured the 
conviction of Thomas Klopp, in connection with frauds in the 
recent city primary election, for members of the water board. 

Joseph Falk, governor of Missouri, and candidate for vice- 
president of the United States, spoke at the Auditorium. In his 
address he lauded County Attorney James English for his work 
in cleaning up the morals of this city. 

The home of Elmer E. Thomas, at 4636 Douglas Street, was 
dynamited — at least it was so claimed. The bomb was said to 
have been placed under the porch of his residence, and fired at 
1:30 a. m., while he and his family were at home and 
asleep. Mr. Thomas had taken a prominent part in the siip- 
pression of vice in Omaha, as well as a leading part in the 
prosecution of one of Omaha's leading politicians. In view of 
his activity suspicion at once rested on the party or parties 
whose displeasure he had incurred. Upon investigation, how- 
ever, the whole matter turned into a farce, and my friend Elmer 



OMAHA MEMORIES 67 



failed to make a ease, and the matter was dismissed by the court 
of public opinion, there being no sufficient grounds for a cause 
of action. 

Frank Murphy, president of the Street Railway Comapny, 
died in New York of heart failure ; he was an old resident of 
Omaha and a millionaire, a brother of Mrs. Cummins, wife of 
the first territorial governor of Nebraska. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

1905. 

J. H. Evans, one of Omaha's pioneer business men, died at 
Dallas, Texas, where he went to recuperate. 

J. H. N. Patrick died at his home in Happy Hollow, at the 
age of 77 years; he was one of the early pioneers of this city, 
and at one time owned all the land upon which the city of 
Dundee is now built. 

February 3 was the coldest day experienced by Nebraskans 
for years, it being 25 degrees below zero, following a thaw, 
Avhich left the ground covered with sleet and ice, thereby imped- 
ing traffic of all kind. The extreme cold of that day is fully 
impressed on my mind for the reason that I nursed a pair of 
frozen ears for a week afterward. 

That fall the republicans elected their entire county ticket 
by majorities of from 500 to 5,000. 

Gurdon W,. Wattles was crowned King Ak-Sar-Ben the XI. 

The second annual horse show was held in Omaha in the 
fall of that year, this making the last one of that kind here, as 
the automobile show has taken its place. 

The implement men held a state convention here which was 
largely attended by their dealers from all over the United States. 

Miss Eva Booth, commander-in-chief of the Salvation Array, 
arrived in Omaha and was enthusiastically received and given 
a royal welcome. 

Sylvester R. Rush, reputy attorney general of the United 
States, was instructed from Washington to vigorously prosecute 
the Nebraska land grabbers and cattlemen, which he proceeded 
to do, resulting in the fining and imprisonment (for the first 
time in the history of such prosecutions) many of the men con- 
nected with those frauds, and permitting the poor homesteaders 
ever after to live in peace and contentment. 

Pat Crowe was arrested in Butte, Montana, and brought 
back to Omaha on requisition papers issued by the governor of 
this state, and in the fall was tried on the charge of shooting 
an officer, but was acquitted. 



68 OMAHAMEMORIES 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

1906. 

The crime for which Pat Crowe was tried in the spring of 
1906 is familiar to everyone in both hemispheres, both in song 
and story. He was an Omaha boy, at least had lived here the 
greater part of his life. On December 19th, 1900, a son, Eddie, 
of the millionaire packer, EdAvard Cudahy, was reported miss- 
ing, and having been absent for more than a week it was feared 
that he had been either kidnapped or foully dealth with. At the 
end of a week Mr. Cudahy received a letter in which he was 
given to understand that on the deposit of $25,000 in gold at a 
spot west of the city limits of Omaha, about Fifty-eighth and 
Center Streets, the boy would be returned, otherwise his eye- 
sight would be destroyed. It is claimed that the money Avas so 
deposited as requested ; the boy having returned was tak,en as 
evidence of the presumption that the money had been received. 
Pat Crowe, having figured in many brazen escapades, suspicion 
at once turned to him as the guilty person. This, coupled with 
the fact that he could not be found in his customary haunts, 
confirmed the suspicion ; whether guilty or not CroAve Avas not 
to be found, notAvithstanding a rcAvard of $50,000, Avhich Avas 
offered for his apprehension alone. During the first part of this 
year he Avas tried in the District Court of Douglas County, 
jointly Avith one James Callahan, for kidnaping. He Avas tried 
before Judge A. L. Sutton, trial judge, and defended by Albert 
Richie and James P. English, now one of the judges of the dis- 
trict court of Douglas County, and prosecuted by W,. W. Sla- 
baugh, the then county attorney, assisted by F. W. Fitch, one 
of his deputies. The trial Avas a long draAvn out one, having 
lasted for more than a Aveek, the outcome of which Avas eagerly 
awaited by the Avhole country. The instructions given by the 
trial judge were fair, both to the state and the defense ; the jury 
having deliberated tAvo days it returned a verdict of "not 
guilty ; ' ' Avhereupon the court discharged the accused. 

The Omaha business men gave a banquet at the Commercial 
Club in honor of A. L. Mohler, who moved to Omaha, having 
been appointed vice-president and general manager of the Union 
Pacific railroad. 

In the fall of this year Nels Lausten, a saloonkeeper at 
Twenty-second and Cuming Streets, Avas shot and instantly killed 
in his place of business about 9 o'clock P. M. The murderers 
were Jay O'Hearn, Raymond Nelson, Leo Angus and James 
Warren, all of Avhom were soon apprehended by the police. Tavo 
of the criminals — Warren and Angus — confessed and turned 
state's evidence, and were each given life sentences; Nelson and 
O'Hearn Avere tried, found guilty and sentenced to be hanged; 
on appeal the Supreme Court reduced the sentences to life im- 



OMAHAMEMORIES 69 



prisonnient, since which time all of them have been paroled, 
and at this writing are at large. 

Frank Clark, manager of the Brandeis Bank, was held up 
and shot on his Avay home, by footpads. The shooting did not 
prove fatal and he soon recovered. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

1907. 

In 1907 a taste of the Blue Laws of Connecticut was given 
the people of Omaha, which occasion will be long remembered 
as "Blue Sunday." The fanatics had so aggravated ]Mayor Moores 
about his failure to enforce the Sunday laws that he issued 
an order to the chief of police to strictly enforce the law regard- 
less of the many inconveniences which would result. This order 
the then Chief Donahue carried out and enforced both in the 
letter and spirit of the law. Not a place of business of any 
nature or character M^as permitted to open their doors; not a 
drug store, nor a place of amusement, not a street car turned a 
wheel; nor a vehicle travelled the streets. That this strict 
enforcement of the law was not in keeping with the sentiment 
of the people of a growing western city, and in this day and 
age, was very evident, as more than 100 arrests were made 
through the effort to enforce it. One Sunday of such strictness 
was a genteel sufficiency, as the public rose en masse and clam- 
ored for a sane and liberal construction of the laws, and the 
mayor, in obedience to the almost unanimous demand of the 
people, so acted. This is proof sufficient, if any be needed, to 
convince fanatics that that brand of Connecticut seed will not 
grow on Nebraska's rich and fertile soil. 

Frank J. Carpenter, of the Carpenter Paper Company, died, 
after an illness of several Aveeks, having suffered a nervous 
breakdown. 

Count John A. Creighton, one of the founders of Creighton 
University, died February 7th at the age of 75 years. 

Arthur Jacquith was found dead in Kountze Park. 

C. C. Hungate, a young Omaha man, son of Jake Hungate, 
was killed in the shafting of the Omaha Ice & Cold Storage 
Building. 

The plumbers struck for higher wages, erij^pling the build- 
ing industry for more than four months. 

The city council celebrated in a befitting manner its Fiftieth 
anniversary, the first city clerk and the son of the first mayor 
of Omaha participating. 



70 OMAHAMEMORIES 

The cornerstone of St. Cecilia's Catholic Cathedral was laid, 
all of the parishes in the bishopric diocese taking part. Arch- 
bishop Ireland, of St. Paul, Minnesota, delivered the principal 
address of the occasion. Architect Kimball, who designed the 
plans, delivered a short speech. 

The Cady Lumber Company, Sixth and Douglas Streets, sus- 
tained a $10J000 loss by fire. 

The Omaha postoffice reported having handled 48,000,000 
pieces of mail during the year. 

H. J. Penfold sustained a loss of $30,000 through the burning 
of his drug store at 1408 Farnam Street. 

Harrison Clark held up and shot to death Edward Fleury, 
an Omaha street car conductor, at the Albright terminus of the 
South Omaha earline. Clark was tried, convicted and sentenced 
to be hanged. The supreme court commuted the sentence to 
life imprisonment, and the Pardon Board has up to this writing 
refused to grant a parole. 

H. C. Cady dropped dead at Thirteenth and Locust Streets, 
of heart failure, caused in part by the excessive heat. 

Judge George B. Lake succumbed to the heat and died. 

Richard S. Hall, one of Omaha's most prominent attorneys, 
died of Bright 's disease. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

1908. 

The Jacksonian Club gave its seventeenth annual banquet, 
at which W. J. Bryan was the principal speaker. 

The financial panic, which struck the country in the latter 
part of 1907 and lasted but a short time, was by the Omaha 
clearance house declared off; this association included all the 
banks of Omaha and South Omaha. Following this, confidence 
was immediately restored, and business assumed its natural 
course of activity. 

Judge Isaac Hascall, one of Omaha's most prominent public 
men and old pioneers, died. 

The Y. M. C. A. celebrated its fortieth anniversary with a 
banquet, etc. 

Meyer & Raapke's grocery store sustained a $15,000 loss 
by fire. 

Benjamin F. Thomas was appointed postmaster of Omaha, 
and a banquet was tendered him by the Equal Rights Political 
Club, of which he Avas a prominent member. 

Sam Drummy, one of Omaha's ablest and shrewdest detec- 
tives, was shot and instantly killed by a negro, William Jones, 



OMAHA MEMORIES 71 



while under arrest at South Omaha. There was a running fire 
of shots, in which Detective Michael Sullivan was also injured, 
but not fatally ; Jones was shot and instantly killed by Detective 
Shields of the South Omaha police force, during the melee. 

Mrs. E. L. Dodder, wife of Dodder, the undertaker, was 
burned to death, and a sister fatally injured as a result of a 
gasoline explosion, while cleaning curtains in the basement of 
the family home. 

A grand jury decreed that the old infamous Arcade should 
go, and its cribs should close; the Arcade here mentioned was 
located on Ninth and Capitol Avenue, on the south side of the 
street, and consisted of a regular village of cribs or one-story 
bricks, used as houses of prostitution ; they were built and owned 
by M. F. Martin, an Omahan who had massed a fortune in the 
renting and collecting of rents from women of the underworld 
— prior to the passage of the Albert law. 

The Republican State Convention met at Boyd's Opera 
House, for the purpose of electing delegates to the national con- 
vention and selecting a national committeeman. The delegation 
was instructed for Taft for president. 

Morris Christensen was drowned in a cistern, in an effort 
to rescue his child who had fallen in; he held the baby above 
water until lifted out by friends, then sank to the bottom 
exhausted and was taken out dead. 

The Democratic and Populist State Conventions were each 
held in Omaha, the former in the Auditorium, and the latter in 
Washington Hall, where they selected delegates to their respec- 
tive national conventions, and instructed for Bryan for president, 

CHAPTER XXX. 
1909. 

President Taft arrived in Omaha, and was the guest of the 
Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben at thdir Den for the evening. The 
street car strike was on and he was asked to use his best efforts 
to effect a settlement. The President, deeming it a local matter, 
did not interfere. During his stay here he was entertained and 
banqueted at the Omaha Club, was driven around the city in an 
automobile, followed by a long train of prominent citizens in 
autos, after which he expressed much delight at the progress 
of the city, and extended his thanks for the generous welcome 
given him. 

As before stated, the street car men went on a strike, the 
cause assigned I cannot recall, suffice it to say that for two 
weeks the people Avere Mathout street car service and had to 
walk. The company imported strike-breakers to take the place 



72 OMAHAMEMORIES 

of the strikers, and managed to run cars at intervals. The desire 
to ride was too hazardous, as many of the operated cars were 
demolished by the angry populace. President Wattles of the 
company made a proposition to the strikers that in the event of 
their returning to Avork each man would be given his old job, 
and would maintain the established rule of seniority in line of 
advance salary, but would not treat with or recognize any over- 
tures coming from their union. This the strikers refused to 
accept. As a final result the men were forced to return to work, 
as many of them as were acceptable to the company; many of 
whom lost their jobs and Avere forced to seek others. 

The Omaha National Bank bought the New York Life Build- 
ing and grounds at Seventeenth and Farnam Streets for $700,000. 
This is the ground formerly occupied by Joseph H. Millard, the 
president of this bank, as a residence, having sold it to the New 
York Life in 1887 for $100,000. 

One of the most brilliant military parades ever witnessed 
in Omaha took place here during the carnival; it proved one of 
the greatest features of the Ak-Sar-Ben daylight parade. The 
soldiers of Fort Omaha and other forts were returning from 
encampment at some place in Iowa, and marched across the 
Council Bluffs bi'idge; there were 5,000 troops — cavalry, artillery 
and infantry. They gave drills and different exhibitions at Fort 
Omaha during the M^eek. 

Euclid Martin, former postmaster and former president of 
the Commercial Club, was given a banquet by the members of 
that club ; it was a farewell dinner given him before his de- 
parture from Omaha to his new home in the west, after a 
residence of 27 years here, where he was honored, loved and 
respected by all who knew him during all those busy years. 

Frank L. Henry shot and instantly killed his wife at Fif- 
teenth and Leavenworth Streets on July 3rd. He was charged 
with first degree murder and I was appointed by Judge A. L. 
Sutton to defend him. As I recall the facts, Henry worked for 
a laundry company at TAventy-second and Cuming Streets, where 
his wife Avas also employed for awhile, when she left, to Avait 
table at Balduff's restaurant. After quitting time, about 9 
o'clock at night, one of the men in the restaurant accompanied 
her to the home of her parents at Fifteenth and LeaveuAvorth 
Streets. Henry, being of a jealous disposition, shadoAved her to 
her destination ; entering the house by the rear door he asked 
to see his Avife in pri\'ate, Avhich privilege Avas accorded him. 
Flushed Avith the spirit of jealousy and licfuor, he fired tAvo 
shots of a 38-caliber revolver into the breast of his Avife, causing 
instant death. On October 23rd Henry changed his plea from 
first to second degree murder and Avas by Judge Sutton sen- 
tenced to imprisonment for life, Avhich sentence he is yet serving. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 73 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

1910. 

The notorious Mabray trial at Council Bluffs attracted 
world-wide attention. The Mabrays were a gang of race-track 
swindlers who had so successfully played their game from coast 
to coast, that they had swindled various sums, aggregating more 
than a million dollars. It was claimed that this gang was first 
organized in Omaha, but moved its headquarters to Council 
Bluffs, from which place it operated. They were apprehended 
by the federal government for using the United States mails for 
fraudulent purposes. The trial of the cases were long drawn 
out, as victims from every state in the Union were witnesses 
against the gang — resulting in the conviction of thirteen of its 
most notorious members, including Mabray the leader. All were 
sentenced to varied terms at the Fort Leavenworth prison. In 
this gang there appeared to be one man named Mike, whose 
duty it was to find the victims ; that was the only name he was 
known by; one victim after another testified that "Mike" got 
their money, hence a new word was coined as a substitutue for 
the one, " buncoed, "—that of "Miked." 

The Nye-Schneider-Fowler Grain and Storage Elevator was 
destroyed by fire, loss $200,000. 

July 28th was the hottest in many years, it being 104 in 
the shade; but one death was reported as a result of sunstroke. 

The German Saengerfest was held in Omaha ; it was com- 
posed of the members of that organization of five northwestern 
states; there being sixty-one societies represented, having a dele- 
gation of 2,000 singers, making one of the main features in the 
daylight Ak-Sar-Ben parade of that year. 

It was this year in which James C. Dahlman, mayor of 
Omaha, secured the democratic nomination for governor of this 
state against Shallenberger, the then governor. The campaign 
was carried on from Omaha, the issue being County Option vs. 
Local Option. Mr. Aldrich, the candidate on the republican 
ticket, espoused the cause of county option and was elected, 
while a majority of the House and Senate were elected on the 
local option issue. Mayor Dahlman would have been elected 
were it not that W. J. Bryan threw his powerful influence 
against him, stumping the state against the head of his own 
party ticket, an act which Mr. Dahlman had good reason to 
class as the sting of an ingrate, as the Mayor had been one of 
Bryan's faithful followers in his many campaigns. 

George Nattinger, secretary-treasurer of the Omaha Loan 
and Building Association, died; he was for years secretary of 
the Omaha Board of Trade, as Avell as one of the original organ- 
izers and founders of the loan and building association, of which 
he was an officer from its beginning. 



74 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

1911. 

Mr. Erdmaii was t'omid guilty of attempting to dynamite 
the residence of Tom Dennison, on Sherman Avenue. He was 
prosecuted by James English, county attorney, and defended by 
John 0. Yeiser. The facts in this ease, as I recall them, were 
these: Erdnuin was a gambler and gave damaging information 
against parties in Omaha Avho were engaged in that business in 
various secluded places. In turn the gamblers were making it 
very unpleasant for him, and whether he wished to wreak his 
vengeance on INIr. Dennison or not, I am not in a position to 
know ; suftice it to say that one Sunday morning, while the Den- 
nison family were away from home, an infernal machine was 
placed on their porch, which did not go off. Children playing 
in the yard claimed to identity Erdman as the party leaving the 
machine there. Two city detectives, Mitchell and Drummy, im- 
mediately placed Erdman under arrest, his trial and conviction 
soon foHowing. He appealed to the supreme court, where the 
case was reversed and remanded; I do not recall the case ever 
going on trial again; however, I have seen Erdman on the streets 
of Omaha a nmuber of times since the supreme court reversed 
the verdict of the jury that found him guilty. 

An effort was made to dynamite the new court house ; to 
that extent two bombs were unsuccessfully used. This was 
during the structural iron workers' strike, which extended all 
over the country, and which resulted in the trial and conviction 
of many members of that union in the United Strifes court at 
Los Angeles. California, at or about the same time. The damages 
to the court house did not exceed $10,000; this was owing to the 
fact that the building had not yet reached the second story. 

Herman Cohn, owner and proprietor of the Loyal Hotel of 
Omaha, was shot and instantly killed by a highwayman about 
10 o'clock at night while returning to his home in company with 
his son. Loyal. The murderer was never apprehended. 

Captain Palmer, ex-postmaster of Omaha and head of the 
old established insurance firm of H. E. Palmer & Sous, died 
suddenly at his home. 

The Nebraska State Senate passed the Grossman Bill, appro- 
priating $100,000 for the erection of the Nebraska Medical IJni- 
versity at Omaha. To Senator John Grossman of this city is 
due tlie credit of securing for Omaha this university. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 75 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

1912. 

The curfew ordinance was once more put in force, to the 
great annoyance of youngsters of the city ; it differed, however, 
in sound and warning to that historic old bell, as it was the 
shrill sound of a steam whistle. 

The Mural pictures for the Douglas County Court House 
were completed and exhibited in the east before being brought 
here; there were eight canvasses in all, being very handsome and 
appropriate. 

The Working Girls' Home won its suit in the supreme court, 
in which that court upheld the gift of the home as provided in 
the will of the late Count John A. Creighton. Many of the heirs 
of the deceased sought to break that provision of the will which 
set aside about $60,000 for the purpose of founding a Working 
Girls' Home; the purpose of the heirs being to annul that pro- 
vision of the will, thereby dividing this sum amongst them. This 
home is now built, and managed by a Roman Catholic order 
called "The Little Sisters" and is proving a boon for poor girls 
out of employment. 

J. S. Owen of this city was struck by a street car at Fortieth 
and Hamilton Streets, and was instantly killed; for more than 
30 years he was an efficient employee of the Western Union 
Telegraph Company at Omaha. 

The Associated Press made Omaha the distrilbuting point 
for the Trans-Missouri country. 

The school board of Omaha gave permission to the public 
to occupy the school buildings evenings for non-religious and 
non-political meetings. For a number of years the public sought 
this permission but were denied by a hostile and short-sighted 
school board ; the matter became an issue in the election of 
members of the board that year, and I contributed my humble 
mite through the columns of the papers and at all public meet- 
ings in an effort to open the schools for the purpose of discuss- 
ing matters of a local nature, and measures in general in which 
the public were interested. 

George W. Doane, former judge of the district court, died 
of pneumonia December 20th. 

Thomas Brennan died at the age of 55 years. He came to 
Omaha in 1885 direct from Ireland, having to flee from that 
country owing to his activity in Irish affairs, more particularly 
the Land League agitation of that time. Mr. Brennan was one 
of the founders of the Land League and was forced to leave 
Ireland and flee to Paris to save the funds of the organization 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



from confiscation, he being its secretary. On his arrival in 
Omaha he formed a partnership with Dennis Cunningham in the 
real estate business. During the first year of the existence of 
the firm I Avas their bookkeeper. At the time of his death he 
was a member of the firm of Brennan & Love, 

Edgar Allen, head of the firm of Allen Bros., Avholesale 
grocers, died. 

Emil Braudeis, a member of the firm of J. L. Brandeis & 
Sons, was drowned in the Titanic disaster in April of this year; 
his body Avas recovered and he was buried in Omaha. Hugo 
Brandeis, another l)rother of the J. L. Brandeis & Sons company, 
died in July of that year. 

The Rei)ublican National Convention was held in Chicago 
and all eyes were pointed in that direction, owing to the report 
that but a few votes either way would decide the choice of the 
convention as between President Taft and ex-President Roose- 
velt. During the early stage of the convention, or by opening 
day, excitenu'nt was at fever heat ; l)ulletins were posted on the 
bulletin board of the Bee building, where hundreds of excited 
friends of both candidates were assembled eager for the news. 
It was a source of great i)leasure to many, including myself, to 
read the bulletins from the building owned by the temporary 
chairman of the convention, an Omaha boy, Dr. Victor Rose- 
water, editor of the Bee : this was an honor worthy the greatest 
man in the nation, more so because of the conditions then exist- 
ing in the party, coupled with the temper of the convention and 
til eexceptional length of time that he was forced to preside. 

Chief of Police John J. Donahue died in August. He was 
one of the most capable officers that ever served on the police 
force of this city, having filled different offices in the depart- 
ment with honor and credit, attaining this high office in 1900, 
serving at times through a perilous siege of attacks from pious 
frauds. 

The Woodmen of the World Building was dedicated in 
October of that year: it is a sixteen-story fireproof building and 
is the headquarters of the order. 

Daniel Wheeler died of paralysis, at the age of 76 : he served 
about ten years in the Onuiha City Council and was during most 
of that tinu^ chairuuin of its finance committee, and became 
generally kiu>wn as the "watchdog of the treasury." It was 
my pleasure to have served in that body with him, a part of 
which time I was on the finance committee, and of him I must say 
that the title, "Watchdog of the Treasury," was justly due him. 
I never met a nuire painstaking public servant, nor one more 
conversant with the city's finances than he. and a more fatherly 
and lovable num never lived. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



J. J. Deright, head of the Deright Safe Company and later 
an antoiuobile company of that name, met his death by the acci- 
dental discharge of a shot-gun. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

19ia 

The Dewey Hotel, a four-story brick, on the corner of Thir- 
teenth and Farnam Streets, was destroyed by fire. There were 
several lives lost and nianv persons injured ; the loss was placed 
at $200,000. 

The Omaha High School was formally dedicated. 

Edward E. Black, for more than 50 years a resident of this 
city, died in March at the age of 69 years. He was the farlier 
of Edward Black of Omaha, a well knoAvn newspaper man now 
employed on the Omaha Bee. 

In March of this year Omaha was visited by a territie 
tornado, resulting in 185 deaths and hundreds of people injured, 
and a property loss of $1,000,000, details of which 'are given in 
another separate article in this book. 

Officer Cunningham was wounded by a negro in the base- 
ment of Ed Maurer's restaurant; the officer shot and instantly 
killed his assailant. Mr. Cunningham has fully recovered and 
is now on the detective force. Officer Ferris, who, with Cunning- 
ham, made the arrest, was also shot but not seriously injured. 

The greatest Italian demonstration ever held in the west 
took place here in Omaha on Columbus Day, it being the 421st 
anniversary of the landing of Columbus. There were 3,000 
people in the parade with five bands. 

A serious street car accident occurred on Twenty-fourth and 
Ames Avenue, in which twenty people were injured. 

Two new buildings were added to the School for the Deaf 
at Omaha. 

Carl Hans Lody contested the suit of his wife, Louise Storz- 
Lody, for a divorce. Lody will be remembered as the man who, 
in 1915, was executed in the tower of London, having been con- 
victed as a German spy. 

Frank Riley, a young man employed at the post office, Avas 
drowned in Carter Lake; he was the son of Bernard Riley, born 
and raised in this city, and was loved by all who knew him. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

1914. 

Henry Yates celebrated his seventy-sixth birthday by keep- 
ing open house to all of his friends. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



The Charity Ball was a social and financial success; the sum 
of $3,650 was turned over to Miss Magee, head of the City Mission. 

Melba and Kubelik appeared before one of the largest audi- 
ences ever convened in the Auditorium. 

One of the most daring and brazen holdups that ever took 
place in Omaha was that at the place of residence of Hazel 
McVey, a resort of ill-repute at Fifteenth and Chicago Streets. 
Three bandits entered the house about 11 o'clock at night and 
cut the 'phone wires; one locked the landlady in the kitchen, 
robbed her of her diamonds, while the other tAvo commanded all 
the inmates to throw up their hands and submit to a frisk. A 
young man named Nichols, failing to comply with orders, was 
shot and instantly killed. The bandits were all apprehended, 
having been located in different states, were brought back, tried 
and given sentences of imprisonment for life. In this place were 
some of Omaha's most prominent citizens who, by one pretense 
after another, managed not to have their identity known. As 
a result of the McVey robbery, John Ryder, who was in charge 
of the police department, offered his resignation, but a com- 
promise was reached, whereby Commissioner Kugel was given 
the police department and Ryder that of street repairs. 

A duplicate building of the Clarkson Hospital was built on 
the west side of the old building at a cost of $80,000. 

Judge William Altstadt died of heart failure at the age of 
76 years; he was justice of the peace in Omaha for twelve years, 
and was such at the time of his death. He was a short, bulky, 
witty German, and was familiarly known as "Little Bismarck." 
His justice office was for years adjoining my office in the Paxton 
Block, and many are the occasions when I evidenced his unique 
way of arriving at and rendering his judgments — they had no 
parallel in all jurisprudence. 

Mr. D. Clem Deaver died in February, at the age of 50 years. 
He was born in Ohio and came to Nebraska when a young man, 
and to Omaha in 1887. He was one of the founders of the 
}iopulist party and was prominent in it up to the time they 
affiliated with the democratic party in 1900 ; he was chairman of 
its national committee and two terms chairman of the state cen- 
tral committee; was its candidate for congress from this district 
in 1892 and steward at the Deaf Institute at Omaha for four 
years. He supported President McKinley in 1900 and was 
appointed by him receiver of the land office at O'Neill, Nebraska, 
and was reappointed by President Roosevelt in 1907. after which 
he resigned to accept the office of land and colonization agent 
for the B. & M. railroad, which position he held at the time of 
his death. Mr. Deaver was the soul of honor, loyal to his God, 
his family, his country and his friends. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 79 

Boyd's old theatre was sold to Biirgess-Nash & Company, to 
make room for their growing trade; the price was $245,000. 
Many of the greatest actors and actresses of the day have 
appeared in that theatre. 

May 10th was designated by proclamation of the President 
as Mother's Day, 

■ In Jnne a day was assigned by the school board as Play Day, 
and 5,000 children took part in the exercises at Fort Omaha. 
T-he day being exceedingly hot, there were a number of prostra- 
tions, some of which were serious, so tliey decided to have no 
more exercises of that kind. There were 30,000 spectators 
present on that occasion. 

Four persons were killed when a train hit an auto on the 
West Center road; this is a dangerous crossing and there have 
been several such accidents there. 

Ralph Connell, son of W. J. Connell of this city, was shot 
and killed on a ranch in New Mexico; he was an Omaha boy — 
born, raised and educated in this city, and was married to an 
Omaha girl before leaving for his ranch in Mexico. 

Mrs. George Tilden died at the age of 61 years ; the deceased 
was the wife of Dr. George Tilden. Both of them were Omaha 
pioneers. Mrs. Tilden was prominent in all matters of benev- 
olent and charitable work, and a leader in the women's clubs. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 
1915. 

Henry W. Yates died at the age of 77. He was one of 
Omaha's pioneers, and one of the leading financiers of the United 
States. In the presidential campaign of 1896 he contributed as 
much as any one man of that time to the literature and logic 
that resulted in the crushing defeat of the Free Silver fallacy 
then advocated by W. J. Bryan and his followers. Mr. Yates 
followed the banking business from his youth, organized the 
Nebraska National Bank of Omaha, of which he was president 
from its starting in 1881, to the time of his death. 

Major T. S. Clarkson died in Oregon and his body was 
brought to Omaha for burial. He was postmaster of this city 
from October 1, 1890, to February 12, 1895 ; was a pioneer citizen 
of Omaha and served one terra as national commander of the 
Grand Army of the Republic. 

Judge A. L. Sutton resigned from the office of judge of the 
District Court of Douglas County, having served in that capacity 
for a continuous period of twelve years. 



80 OMAHA MEMORIES 

Omaha was struck with the jitney fever ; so great was the 
malady that it soon developed into an epidemic. The jitney 
was a new thing here, and the novelty as well as the pleasure 
of riding a considerable distance in an auto for five cents was 
a treat. They were unrestricted and unhampered by legislation 
and police i-egulation, because of their sudden and unexpected 
advent as a mode of transportation and travel. They soon 
became so numerous that they were a nuisance— so much, so 
that the city council was forced to pass an ordinance reg-ulating 
them. No sooner had they become regulated than they became 
relegated, so that in the latter part of this year there remains 
but one direct line in which they operate, from Fourteenth to 
Fortieth and Farnam. The poor jitney, I fear, will soon be as 
rare a sight as a red Indian on Staten Island. 

Mrs. Samuel Rees, Sr., died. She was one of Omaha's pio- 
neers. For more than 40 years the home of the Rees family has 
been located on the corner of Twenty-second and Leavenworth 
Streets, where Samuel Rees, the husband, and his son Samuel, 
Jr., yet reside. 

The $1,000,000 Fontenelle Hotel opened in February with 
a banquet, at which were about one thousand of Omaha's most 
prominent men and women; Gurdon W. Wattles was toastmaster 
on the occasion. The hotel is located on the corner of Eighteenth 
and Douglas Streets, a twelve-story brick building, on ground 
132 feet square, with accommodations eciual to any hotel in the 
United States. To the public spirit of Mr. Wattles, president of 
the hotel company, is due in a great measure the credit of having 
such a magnificent hotel here. 

W. H. Smith, cashier of the Woodmen of the World, Avas 
shot and killed near Bemis Park b-y a footpad, who made his 
escape, but Avas apprehened at Topeka, Kansas, was brought to 
Omaha, tried and convicted of murder in the second degree and 
was sentenced to life imprisonment. 

Tom Ring, one of Omaha's efficient detectives, Avas shot and 
instantly killed by a Mexican, Avho made his escape, but Avas 
caught at Norfolk, Nebraska, after many days' hunt and a hard 
fight for his freedom by the murderer. He Avas brought to Omaha 
for trial and was defended by ex-Judge Sutton and prosecuted 
by Countey Attorney George A. Maguey ; Avas found guilty of 
second degree murder and given life imprisonment. 

George Shirley and Avife Avere asphyxiated by gas from a 
defective heater. Mr. Shirley Avas the son of one of Omaha's 
pioneer citizens, Michael Shirley, of the contracting firm of 
Phelan & Shirley. 

Tag Day netted $3,348 for the Visiting Nurses' fund, being 
the most ever raised by like means in this city. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 81 

The year 1915 was the banner year in the history of Ne- 
braska, for both rain and crops; there were but two months — 
April and October — of the entire year that it did not rain, either 
at night or during the day. The months of April and October 
were two of the most pleasant ones I have observed in my thirty- 
five .years' residence in Omaha. I am pleased to note the con- 
trast between the year 1880, when I came here, and that of 1915 ; 
the first named was one of intense heat, scarcely any rain, with 
dry hot winds and discouraging prospects for farmers — light 
crops and but small returns. While that of 1915 was diametric- 
ally reverse ; plenty of rain, abundant crops, eager purchasers, 
a ready market and handsome returns, with the demand greater 
than the supply; giving evidence of the fact that a benign 
Providence is fast showering its blessings on the people of this, 
the best state in the Union, for which we should in turn offer 
our fervent prayers and thanksgiving. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

1916. 

At first it was not my intention to include the year 1916 in 
this work, but owing to unavoidable delays I was unable to com- 
plete this book until the middle of this year; and finding so 
many events of importance had taken place during that portion 
of the year I deemed it advisable to enumerate and include in 
this work the year ''1916." 

In doing this it will necessitate some reference to men of 
whom I have written and who died during this year, as well as 
many changes that have taken place since 1915 — or during the 
following year, in both men and affairs. 

In this connection I note with much regret the death of 
James P. English, one of the judges of our district court, who 
died on February 20th, and Avas beloved by all who knew him. 
Also John Power, who served. Douglas county as sheriff for six 
years, and was known as one of the best sheriffs who ever filled 
this office; he died January 7th. Right Rev. Richard Seannell, 
who for twenty-five years was Bishop of the Roman Catholic 
Diocese of Omaha, and of whom it may be said there was no 
more saintly or scholarly man in the state, died January 8th. 
His funeral sermon w^as pronounced by Archbishop Ireland of 
St. Paul, Minnesota, and was a gem of eloquence and pathos. 
On May 21st, John C. Drexel, one of the commissioners of this 
city, died ; during his life he was county coroner, sheriff and 
county clerk, respectively, of Douglas County, and was deserv- 
edly popular. He was born in this countj^ in 1858. 

This being the year in wiiich the sun in its quadrennial and 
biennial march around the world pointed the dial of time to 



82 OMAHA MEMORIES 

that period where it became necessary for the American people 
to elect their national, state and connty officers. It is doubtful 
whether the history of- this nation furnishes a parallel in interest 
and excitement equal to that shown in the national campaign 
of this year. That Wilson and Marshall would be renominated 
for president and vice-president, respectively, was a foregone 
conclusion, but with the republican party there were many candi- 
dates, and not until after the convening of the national conven- 
tion of republicans at Chicago, was there any certainty of the 
ones to be selected. 

In this state the friends of Charles E. Hughes were active 
in his behalf; Victor Rosewater, editor of the Omaha Bee, was 
his ablest supporter and champion, but Senator Cummins of 
Iowa carried the delegation, while ex-Senator Burkett of this 
state secured the delegation for vice-president. During the entire 
week of the national convention at Chicago, commencing as it 
did June 2nd, excitement ran high on our streets and never 
subsided until June 10th, the day on Avhicli Hughes and Fair- 
banks received tlie nomination for president and vice-president, 
respectively, which selection met with enthusiastic approbation. 

For United States senator from this state at the primary, 
John L. Kennedy of Omaha and ex-Governor Aldrich, of Lincoln, 
were the candidates for the republican nomination, Kennedy 
securing it. On the democratic ticket for this office the present 
Uniter States Senator G. M. Hitchcock of Omaha and I. J. Dunn, 
an Omaha attorney, were the candidates. Mr. Hitchcock received 
the nomination, tliough bitterly fought by W. J. Bryan. 

For governor of this state A. L. Sutton of Omaha, ex-judge 
of the district court, received the republican nomination, and on 
the democratic ticket for this office; Keith Neville of North Platte 
and Charles W. Bryan of Lincoln, brother of W. J. Bryan, were 
the candidates. Mr. Neville was nominated. The primary of this 
year was held in the month of April, which served the purpose 
of nominating national, state and county candidates. 

June 14th was, by proclamation of the governor and Mayor 
Dahlman of Onmha. declared Flag Day and a holiday. It was 
estimated that 30,000 men, women and children marched and 
paraded our streets on that day, all carrying an American flag. 
This occasion was for the purpose of arousing the patriotism of 
the American people, of which I could see no apparent need. 

The Fourth of July brought thousands of people to Omaha 
from all over this and adjoining states, not with any patriotic 
purpose, however, but to witness a widely advertised Avrestling 
match at the Fair Grounds near Benson, between Joe Steelier 
of this state, champion wrestler of the Avorld, and a man named 
Lewis. Not less than 10.000 people Avitnessed this gigantic farce, 
which partook more of the appearance of a footrace than that 



OMAHAMEMORIES 83 

of a wrestling match, as the participants at no time during the 
five hours' struggle engaged in wrestling, to the disgust and dis- 
appointment of those who paid to- witness what they thought 
would be a match of national fame. 

The year 1916 being the bi-eentennial of the admission of 
this state into the Union, the event was befittingly celebrated, 
as in the early part of the year an organization was perfected, 
composed of the leading men of the state, who designated Omaha 
as the place in which the celebration should take place, the time 
being from the 1st to the 10th of October. G. W. Wattles was 
chairman of the organization, which in itself warranted the suc- 
cess of the undertaking. This celebration was held jointly with 
that of the annual festivity of the Ak-Sar-Ben. It was during 
this time, on October 5th, that President and Mrs. Wilson visited 
Omaha, as the invited guests of the two organizations. An 
historic parade was one of the events of that day in which the 
President and Mrs. Wilson participated, being in the lead in an 
automobile. Leaving it when they reached the court house, and 
entering a grand stand which was erected there, they, their party 
and a number of prominent citizens, reviewed the parade, which 
was more than two miles long, and included about 500 Indians 
from the various reservations. The president and wife expressed 
themselves as being delighted with the great ovation given them, 
as well as the opportunity of seeing for themselves a sample of 
western pioneer life, from which sprang the marvelous progress 
of the West of today. 

Omaha, on this occasion, entertained the largest crowd ever 
assembled in any western city, there being approximately 300,000 
visitors. In the evening the president addressed the greatest 
number of people ever crowded into the Auditorium, after which 
he and his party returned directly to Washington. 

Since writing my article in a previous chapter on Omaha's 
progress, some new and costly buildings have been erected, and 
others are in course of construction. I will note the ones on 
Farnam Street — the World-Herald building on Fifteenth Street, 
on the old corner well known to the early settlers as the "Wabash 
Corner." It is erected on a full city lot with one storeroom fac- 
ing Farnam and three more on Fifteenth Street, on the north 
end. The building is eight stories high with basement, which is 
used as the press room, extending the entire length of the build- 
ing. The second and third floors are occupied by the company 
for its own use, and the others are rented for offices. The build- 
ing is a very imposing edifice, a credit to Omaha and a lasting 
monument to the energy, grit and persistency of our present 
United States Senator, G. M. Hitchcock, the founder of the 
World-IIerald and its principal owner. 

The First National Bank of Omaha has completed and is 
preparing to occupy its new sixteen-story and basement building, 



84 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

erected on the southwest corner of Sixteenth and Farnam, on 
the ground formerly occupied by the old Board of Trade build- 
ing. It stands on a full city lot ; the ground floor has store rooms 
on both Sixteenth and Farnam Streets, the first floor being used 
by the bank itself, the others rented for offices. 

The northeast corner of Eighteenth and Douglas Streets, 
where the Strand Theater is located, has been purchased by the 
Omaha Athletic Club, a recent corporation. This building is 
soon to give way to a magnificent one which is to cost about 
$300,000 and will be one of the finest in the west owned by 
any athletic club. W. A. Frazer, Sovereign Commander of the 
Woodmen of the World, is president, and John C. Wharton, late 
postmaster of Omaha, is secretary'. 

The Nebraska Telephone Company has purchased the north- 
west corner of Nineteenth and Douglas Streets, the old Dr. Tilden 
home, at a cost of $100,000, and has plans ready for the con- 
struction of a million-dollar building from Avliich they will oper- 
ate their netAvork of wires for the entire city. 

The ^Masonic building, at Nineteenth and Douglas Streets, 
now in course of construction, promises to be one of the finest 
of its kind in the west ; the estimate cost of this magnificent 
structure will be in the neighborhood of $1,000,000. 

On October 16th, Charles E. Hughes, republican candidate 
for president, delivered an address at the Omaha Auditorium to 
a house so densely packed that further admission was a phy- 
sical impossibility. While the building is the most spacious of 
any west of Chicago, it is claimed that on this occasion fully 
10,000 people were unable to gain admission. I had the pleasure 
of occupying a seat on the stage a few feet from this great 
man, and shall long remember his telling blows against the dem- 
ocratic party. 

As previously stated, the political issue in this state assumed 
fever heat. Campaigners of more or less fame were numerous 
in battling for the success of their respective parties. In point 
of interest and excitement it bore a striking resemblance to the 
McKinley-Bryan campaign of 1896. As the campaign'progressed, 
party lines Avere not so closely drawn, as a local issue had been 
injected into the campaign which resulted disastrously for the 
republican party — national, state and county. The issue injected 
was the prohibition question, or the amendment to the State Con- 
stitution prohibiting the manufacturing or sale of intoxicating 
liquors in this state. 

Neither party made it a platform issue, but the most remark- 
able part of it was the republican candidate for United States 
Senator, John L. Kennedy, and Judge A. L. Sutton, the repub- 
lican candidate for governor, both espoused the cause of pro- 



OMAHAMEMORIES 85 

hibition and both were defeated, yet the amendment was carried 
by 30,000 majority. President Wilson carried the state by 
41,000. United States Senator Hitchcock was returned to the 
senate by 12,000 majority and Keith Neville, also a democrat, 
defeated his .republican opponent by 10,000 votes, and for the 
first time in the history of the state all the state offices were filled 
by democrats. In this congressional district the present incum- 
bent, C. 0. Lobeck, defeated his republican opponent. Judge 
Benjamin Baker, by the unheard of majoritj^ of 6,000 votes. 

On the county ticket the republicans elected but three men, 
Robert Smith succeeding himself as clerk of the District Court, 
Frank Dewey also succeeding himself as county clerk, both repub- 
licans. Mike Clark, republican, defeated Phil McShane, the pres- 
ent incumbent of the office of sheriff, a democrat. Two repub- 
lican county commissioners were defeated for re-election — Gus 
Heart and Frank Best, their successors being Jeff Bedford and 
A. D. Compton, giving the democrats control of the board of 
county commissioners for the first time in years. For the second 
time in the history of the county, the democrats elected a county 
superintendent of schools, T. J. Keenan, a recent graduate of 
Creighton College. M. L. Endres, democrat, was elected county 
treasurer, defeating E. G. Saloman, republican. George A. Mag- 
uey, democrat, and one of the most obliging, capable and com- 
petent men who ever filled public office, was re-elected county 
attorney by 10,000 majority. 

The present judges of the District Court, Willis G. Sears, 
Lee Estelle, A. C. Troup, William A. Redick, George A. Day, 
Charles Leslie and Arthur AVakely, were re-elected. It will be 
remembered that Judge Wakely was filling a vacancy caused 
by the death of Judge English. This appointment was made 
by Governor Moorhead March 1 of this year. Bryce Crawford 
was re-elected county judge for the third consecutive time. Lou 
Adams was re-elected as county surveyor. 

It is with much pleasure that I note the appointment of 
J. W. Woodrough of Omaha to the office of United States Dis- 
trict Judge of this district. He was appointed to this office April 
3 by President Wilson, was confirmed by the senate a few days 
thereafter, taking his seat April 24, succeeding the late W. H. 
Munger, who was appointed by President Cleveland March 1, 
1897 — being his last official act. Mr. Woodrough is one of the 
youngest judges on the federal bench, and is proving himself in 
every way equal to the task reposed in him. He is a man of 
charming personality, courteous and accommodating. A brief 
biography of him will be found in another chapter of this book. 

On June 1, George Parks of the South Side was appointed 
by the city commissioners to fill the vacancy on that board caused 
by the death of John C. Drexel. He was given the department 
formerly held by Mr. Drexel, superintendent of street cleaning 



86 OMAHAMEMORIES 

and maintenance. ]\Ir, Parks was for a number of years engaged 
in the paving business in South Omaha, is a practical business 
man and has displayed marked ability in handling his depart- 
ment. He is a man of means and does not believe that a public 
office is a private snap. 

In October the city commissioners entered into a contract 
with the Omaha Electric Light Company, which contract was in 
the form of an ordinance, in which the Electric Light Company 
was to be given and granted a five-year contract for lighting 
the city, conditioned that the company, would install 1,000 addi- 
tional arc lights free and reduce its price to consumers to 6 cents 
per kilowatt hour. In order to forestall the action of the com- 
missioners, petitions were circulated by R. B. Howell and others, 
calling for a referendum vote of the people on the ordinance. 
A sufficient number of signers were secured and an election was 
held on December 4, at which the ordinance or contract was 
ratified by a substantial majority vote of the people, thus assur- 
ing the commissioners of the confidence they have in them, as 
Avell as a token of the friendly relationship which the many acts 
of the president of the Electric Light Company, General G. H. 
Harries, has been the cause of establishing between the people 
and his company. The passage and approval of this ordinance 
by the commissioners and the voters will make Omaha one of the 
best lighted cities in the United States and will give the con- 
sumers a rate cheaper than can be procured by a municipally 
OAvned plant. 

In the early part of this year the Ford Automobile Company 
located a branch of its extensive plant in Omaha, a building six 
stories high, embracing and covering one cit}' block, from Fif- 
teenth to Sixteenth and Webster to Izard Streets. Hundreds of 
automobiles of this make are assembled at this plant each month, 
with a working force of some 300 men. This company paj's the 
highest wages of any in the United States to its employees. 

On May 1, 1917, the State of Nebraska will be placed in the 
column of prohibition states, as the result of the verdict of the 
people of this state in the November election of this year. In an 
article written by me in 1915, which can be found in another 
chapter of this book under the heading "The Prohibition Ques- 
tion," will show the causes that led up to the submission of this 
question. As to how rigid this law will be made and the 
machinery through which it is to be enforced, will be a matter 
for the coming legislature to devise. If a liberal supply of liquor 
is permitted to be brought into the state for domestic use, then 
the law may accomplish its purpose. Should a "bone-dr.y" law 
be passed, its repeal would be only a matter of opportunity. 

On December 15. Archbishop Jeremiah J, Harty arrived in 
Omaha from the Philippine Islands. He was met at Columbus, 



OMAHAMEMORIES 87 

Nebraska, by a delegation of prominent citizens headed by Mayor 
Dahlman of this city. A special train was chartered for the 
occasion. On December 21 he was installed as bishop of the 
Omaha Diocese at the new cathedral in this city. The occasion 
was one of the most ceremonious ever witnessed in this state. 
Archbishop Harty was, previous to coming to Omaha, Archbishop 
of the Philippine Islands, where for thirteen years he ruled 
the archdiocese of Manila. His see extended over the largest 
territory and contained the greatest number of Catholics of any 
archdiocese of the Roman Catholic church. From the impres- 
sions formed by many of our citizens who have met the archbishop 
and from his public expressions it is freely predicted that he 
will make one of the most popular and beloved bishops who have 
filled that exalted position during the sixty years of the existence 
of the diocese. His predecessors were the saintly 'Gorman, 
O'Connor and Scannell. 

At the November election James M. Fitzgerald and R. J. 
Madden were elected police judges for the city of Omaha on 
the democratic ticket, defeating the present incumbents, Charles 
E. Foster and J. C. Reed, republicans. The two judges are 
men of broad vision and even, judicial temperament, qualifica- 
tions the possession of which the retiring j"udge, Foster, was 
sadly deficient. 

On December 25 my son, Charles Bryan, received as a 
Christmas gift from the Catholic University of America at Wash- 
ington, D. C, a scholarship comprising a four-year course at 
that institution free of charge. This honor came without solici- 
tation and is the first of its kind to be conferred on any boy 
west of the Missouri River. It was given to him personally by 
one of the faculty, the Rev. John 'Grady, formerly of this city, 
who came to Omaha in person for that sole purpose. He 
received offers of scholarships from several other large colleges 
in the United States, but accepted this as being the most advan- 
tageous to the course he intends to jiursue, that of law. He will 
go to Washington to enter upon his study in September, 1917, 
after graduating from the Central High School the preceding 
year. 

This 3^ear the city commissioners awarded a contract to 
remodel our City Hall at an expense of some $50,000. Some of it 
is being expended in making the basement of the building an 
office floor, adding an additional floor to the other six, and will 
give access to the building level with the sidewalk, dispensing 
with the many steps that had led to the original first floor. This 
expenditure would never have been needed had a majority of the 
city council coincided with me when that building was in course 
of construction. I was a member of the council at that time, 
and I persistently fought for what is now being done. In addi- 
tion it was my purpose to make this floor the city jail and 



88 OMAHAMEMORIES 

police headquarters, but I was ridiculed and derided by my 
associates, notably Chafifee, Bechtel, Wheeler and Davis. I pre- 
sume this is but another sample of foresight and hindsight. 

On May 18 George Rogers died. He was for a number of 
years engaged in the wholesale and retail cigar business in 
Omaha. He resided in the cit.y for the past thirty years and 
was a prominent democrat of both the city and state ; was a 
member of the governor's staflf and a candidate for sheriff on the 
democratic ticket at the recent primary. ]\Ir. Rogers was one 
of nature 's noblemen ; his friends were legion, with not a de- 
serving enemy. 

Hugh Murphy, one of Omaha 's wealthy and honored citizens, 
died Atugust 8. He came to Omaha in 1880 from Galena, 111., 
where he was born sixty-four years ago ; was a bricklayer by 
profession, but shortly after arriving here he engaged in the 
paving contracting business, in which he was engaged at the 
time of his death. He was by nature adapted to the business 
which he for j-^ears carried on, and through which he became im- 
mensely wealthy. He was big-hearted, frank and generous. 
IMr. Murphy and myself were warm personal friends, a friendship 
which began in August, 1880, when he and I were roommates, 
and which continued during his lifetime. 

In a previous chapter of these ]\Iemories I had occasion to 
note a spirit of bigotry and intolerance Avhich swept over this 
city in the early '90s, fed and nurtured by an order known as 
the A. P. A. As that organization flourished and faded away, it 
was hoped that such a blight would never again affect a homoge- 
neous community. But this ghost, robed in a sheet of muslin, 
began to stalk. It was not Banco 's ghost, nor would it down; 
it was the ghost of the Pope of Rome having a sinister motive, 
namely the destruction of our republic, through the aid of the 
Roman Catholic Church. The new uprising sailed and masked 
under a new name, that of the Knights of Luther, having the 
same object and purpose as that of the old A. P. A. 's, the memory 
of which would make the cheeks of the sons of the latter tingle 
with the blush of shame to know that their fathers were ever 
affiliated with it. On the eve of the election the old-time pink 
ticket made its appearance on the streets with instructions how 
and for whom to vote. The candidates Avho were Roman Cath- 
olics or Catholic sympathizers were marked in bold black type 
so as to warn the voter. Notwithstanding their contemptible 
work, every candidate so marked was elected with few exceptions. 
Andrew ]\Iorrissey, candidate for supreme judge, and Judge Lee 
S. Estelle, candidate for district judge, both Roman Catholics, 
were both marked for defeat, but were both elected by big 
majorities. 

In this work I have sought to be fair and impartial to all 
men and to all religious denominations, but when a body of men 



OMAHA MEMORIES 89 

claiming to be loyal American citizens will band together for 
such an unjust and uncalled for attack upon the patriotism and 
loyalty of the Roman Catholic citizens of this community, more 
especially when our nation is likely at any hour to call upon 
her citizens to defend her flag against the encroachment of a 
foreign foe, I feel that such conduct should not go unchallei^ged. 
For if that conflict should arise I know of no better and truer 
way of expressing not only my own love and veneration for 
that flag, but that of every other Catholic in this nation, should 
our loyalty to this nation, for which we have shed our blood 
on every battlefield in its defense from Yorktown to Appomat- 
tax, be brought into question than in the following few chosen 
lines : 

They say I do not love thee 

Flag of my native land, 
Whose meteor folds above me 
To the free breeze expand; 

Thy broad stripes proudly streaming, 
And thy stars so brightly beaming. 

They say I would forsake thee, 

Should some dark crisis lower; 
That recreant I would make thee 
Couch to a foreign power; 
Seduced by license ample, 
On the best flag to trample. 

False are the words they utter. 

Ungenerous their brand, 

And rash the oaths they mutter. 

Flag of my native land; 

While still in hope above me 
There wavest — and I love thee. 

They say that bolts of thunder. 

Hurled by the Pontiff's hand. 
May rive and bring thee under. 
Flag of my native land; 

And with one blow dissever 
My heart from thee forever. 

God is my love's first duty. 
To whose eternal name 
Be praise for all thy beauty, 

Thy grandeur and thy fame, ^ 

But ever have I reckoned 
Thine native flag its second. 

Woe to the foe or stranger 
Whose sacrilegious hand 
Would touch thee or endanger, 
Flag of my native land; 

Though some should fain discard thee. 
Mine should be raised to guard thee. 

Then wave, thou first of banners. 

And in thy genial shade 
Let creeds, opinions, manners, 
In love and peace be laid; 

And there all discord ended. 
Our hearts and souls be blended. 



90 OMAHAMEM OKIES 



Steam on, steam on before us, 

Thou labarum of light. 
While in one genial chorus 

Our vows to thee we plight; 
Unfaithful to thee, never! 
My country's flag forever. 

At the fall election the following named municipal judges 
were elected : C. W. Britt, A. E. Baldwin and George Holmes. 
They were the first elected judges to this newly created office. 
They have co-jurisdiction with that of the County Court, and 
have removed from the public the much detested justice of the 
peace court. 

On December 10, George P. Bemis, ex-mayor of Omaha, died. 
He was twice elected mayor of Omaha. His election and admin- 
istration is fully set forth in another chapter of this book. INIr. 
Bemis. though a lifelong Protestant, became a convert to the 
Catholic church but a few daj's before his death. 

In this work I have endeavored to note most of the impor- 
tant events that have taken place in Omaha during my residence 
here of thirty-six years. I am proud of Omaha. I love the state 
of Nebraska and its people, I love the West because of the broad- 
mindedness of its men and women. In this connection it might 
be asked: Where does the West begin? The following will 
suffice for the answer: 

Where there's more of reaping and less of sowing — 
Out where the handclasp's a little stronger, 
Out where the smile dwells a little longer, 

That's where the West begins. 
Out where the sun is a little brighter, 
Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter, 
Where the bonds of home are wee bit tighter — 

That's where the West begins. 

Out where the skies are a trifle bluer, 

Out where friendship's a little truer, 

Where there's laughter in every streamlet flowing, 

That's where the West begins. 
Out where a fresher breeze is blowing, 
Where there's more of reaping and less of sowing — 

That's where the West begins. 

Out where the world is in the making, 
Where fewer hearts in despair are aching, 

That's where the West begins. 
Where there's more of singing and less of sighing, 
Where there's more of giving and less of buying. 
And a man makes friends without half trying — 

That's where the West begins. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 91 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

OMAHA CHURCHES AND THEIR PASTORS. 

Presbyterian. 
Lowe Avenue, 1023 North Fortieth— Rev. A. F. Ernst. 
First, Y. M. C. A.— Rev. E. H. Jenks. 
North, Twenty-fourth and AVirt — Rev. M. V. Higbee. 
Parkvale, Twenty-first and Gold — Rev. R. W. Taylor. 
Castellar, Sixteenth and Castellar — Rev. C. C. Meeks. * 
Clifton Hill, Forty-fifth and Grant — Rev. B. R. von der Lippe. 
Dundee, Fiftieth and Underwood— Rev. H. B. Foster. 

Methodist. 

Trinity, Twentj^-first and Binney — Rev. C. W. DeLamatre. 
Swedish, Nineteenth and Burt — Rev. Gustav Erickson. 
]\rcCabe, Forty-first and Farnam — Rev. "W. H. Underwood. 
Hanscom Park, Woolworth and Georgia Ave. — Rev. E. D. Hull. 
First, Twentieth and Davenport — Rev. Titus Lo\v'e. 

Baptist. 

Calvary, Twenty-fifth and Hamilton — J. A. IMaxwell. 
Immanuel, Twentj^-fourth and Pinkney — A. J. ]\Iorris, 
Grace, Tenth and Arbor— Rev. E. B. Taft. 

Lutheran. 

Danish, Twenty-sixth and Hamilton — Rev. M. W. Halverson. 
Grace English, Twenty-sixth and Poppleton — Rev, C. N. Swihart. 
St. Mathew's English, Nineteenth and Castellar — Rev. G. W. Sny- 
der. 
Ziou, Thirty-sixth and Lafayette Ave. — Rev. A. T. Lorimer. 
Kountze Memorial, Twentj^-sixth and Farnam — Rev. 0. D. Baltzly. 

Episcopal. 

St. Andrew's, Twenty-fourth and Charles — Rev. J. E. Flockhart. 

Dietz JMemorial, Tenth and Pierce — Rev. C. N. Dawson. 

All Saints, 504 South Twenty-sixth— Rev. T. J. Mackay. 

Good Shepherd, Twentieth and Ohio — Rev. T. J. Collar. 

St. Barnabas', Fortieth and Davenport — Rev. Lloyd Halsapple. 

St. John's, Twenty-fifth and Brown — Rev. O. H. Cleveland. 

St. Martin's, Twenty-fourth and J — Rev. John Wallis. 

St. Mathias', Tenth 'and Worthington— Rev. A. E. Wells. 

St. Philip's the Deacon, 1121 North Twenty-first— Rev. J. A. 

Williams. 
Trinity Cathedral, Eighteenth and Capitol Ave. — Rev. J, A. 

Tancock. 

Christian Science. 
Second Church, Dundee Hall. 
First, Twenty-fourth and St. Mary's Ave. 



92 M A H A M E M R I E S 

United Evangelical. 
Grace, Twenty-seventh and Camden — Rev. T. M. Evans. 

Congregational. 

St. ]\[ary's Avenue — Twenty-seventh and St. Mary's Ave. — Eev. 

A. J. Hurlburt. 
Plymouth, Eighteenth and Emmet — Rev. F. AY. Leavitt. 

United Presbyterian. 
Central, Twentj'-fourth and Dodge — Rev. H. B. Speer. 

Latter Day Saints. 
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ, Twentj'-fourth and Ohio. 

Unitarian. 

Unitarian, Turpin Hall, Twenty-eighth and Farnam — Rev. AY. F. 
Greenman. 

Christian. 
North Side, Twenty-second and Lothrop — Rev. G. L. Peters. 
First, Twenty-sixth and Harney — R«v. C. E. Cobbey. 

Miscellaneous. 

People's Church, 5,15 North Eighteenth — Rev. Charles Savage. 
Church of Life, 815 North Eighteenth— Mrs. V. A. Bell. 

Roman Catholic. 
Diocese of Omalia — Rt. Rev. Jeremiah J. Ilarty, Bishop ; Rt. Rev. 

jMousignor Colaneri, V. G. 
St. Cecilia's Cathedral, 705 North Fortieth— Rev. D. P. Harring- 
ton, Rev. AYm. Fitzgerald, Rev. J. Timothy and Rev. Hugh 

Gatelly. 
Church of the Assumption, 5440 South Twenty-second — Rev. 

flames Chundalak. 
Holy Angels, Twenty-eighth and Fowler — Rev. P. A. Flannagan. 
Sacred Heart, Twenty-second and Binney — Rev. P. J. Judge. 

Rev. C. Collins. 
Holy Family, 917 North Eighteenth— Rev. S. L. Dowd, Rev. P. 

J. Moran. 
St. Agnes', 2211 Q Street— Rev. Jas. Aherne, Rev. John Zaplotnik. 
Immaculate Conception, Twenty-fourth and Bancroft — Rev. Tb^o- 

bald Kalampa. 
St. Bri Jget's, Twenty-sixth and F— Rev. T. 'Callahan, Rev. \\'m. 

Borer, Rev. D. Feahon. 
St. Francis', 4501 South Thirty-second— Rev. Alichael Gluba. 
St. John's, 2506 California— Rev. M. M. Brongeest. 
St. Anthony's (Lithuanian) Thirty-second and S — Rev. George 

F. Jonaitis. 
St. Joseph's (German), 1730 South Seventeenth — Rev. Pacifiens 

Kohnen. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 93 

St. Mary Magdalen (German), Nineteenth and Dodge — Rev. Ber- 
nard Sinne. 

St. Mary's, Thirty-sixth and — Rev. Charles Mugan, Rev. John 
Hallian. 

St. Patrick's, Fourteenth and Castellar — Rev. Peter Gannon, Rev. 
Edw. Flannigan. 

St. Peter's, Twenty-eighth and Leavenworth — Rev. J. F. Mc- 
Carthy, Rev. D. P. Neligan, Rev. Patrick Kelley. 

St, Philomena's, Tenth and William — Rev. J. W. Stenson, Rev. 
Michael Stagno. 

St. Savior, 1470 South Thirteenth— Rev. Elias Abboud. 

St. Wenceslaus', 1432 South Twelfth— Rev. John Vranek. 

OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

The Omaha Public Library had its beginning in 1871, and 
was located on the third floor of the old L. B, Williams dry 
goods store, Fifteenth and Douglas Streets, where now stands 
the Union Pacific headquarters. Its tirst board consisted of 
Edgar Snyder, Albert Henry and Nathan Swartzlander. A Miss 
Sears was its first librarian, and a small sum was charged each 
patron, the city paying the running expenses. In 1885 it was 
moved to the Falconer building, 1505 Douglas Street, where it 
remained for three years. In 1888 it again moved to the Pax- 
ton Block, Sixteenth and Farnam, where ifremained until 1893, 
when it moved to its present spacious quarters, a three story 
and basement building erected on a full corner lot donated by 
Byron Reed on the southeast corner of Eighteenth and Harney 
Streets, built and owned by the city. On entering the new 
quarters Byron Reed bequeathed to the library his own exten- 
sive library and his collections of curios and coins, one of the 
most valuable collections of rare coins to be found in the United 
States. The city bought the adjoining lot, giving it a greater 
amount of needed space. The library at present contains 94,000 
volumes, and is one of the best kept and managed of any in the 
United States. The librarians who have served in my time are 
Miss Allen and the present one. Miss Edith Tabot, under whose 
efficient management the library has attained a wide reputation. 

OMAHA HIGH SCHOOL. 

The building and grounds of the High School have for me 
cherished memories. The entrances that yet lead to it are the 
ones over which my wife traveled in her girlhood days while 
attending that school ; the ones which my daughter trod, and 
which my son, "Chuck," is now treading. In the secluded cor- 
ners of the old building, as well as its numerous steps, I was wont 
to spend many a pleasant summer evening in the early '80s. 
Knowing the dark condition of the grounds at night, one of 



94 OMAHA MEMORIES 

the first resolutions that I introduced M'hile in the city council 
provided for electric lights for the grounds. The present High 
School cost $1,5,00,000, wings being added to the old one until 
there was room enough without it, and it was torn down. The 
old High School Avas formerly the State Capitol in the territorial 
days of Nebraska. The new school and grounds are among the 
finest in the Ihiited States. There are 81 teachers and a daily 
average of about 2,000 pupils. The present management is in 
charge of the following very efficient staff: J, Gr, Masters, prin- 
cipal ; Joseph Woolery, first vice-president ; E. E. McWilliams, 
second vice-president. 

OMAHA HIGH SCHOOL OF COMMERCE. 

The establishment of a practical business course in the Cen- 
tral High School proved so successful that it became necessary 
to make more adequate provisions to care for this popular line 
of work, and the Omaha High School of Commerce was started 
in September of 1912, amid a clamor of discord that is always 
present when a ncAv plan is started ; but the feeling of doubt 
soon disappeared, for the establishing of this school is one of 
the most praiseworthy acts in the history of the Board of Edu- 
cation of this city, and much credit must be given to Dr. 
Holovtchiner for his efforts in starting such a school, as it enables 
parents of moderatc'^means to secure for their children a business 
education without additional expense. There are about 1,000 
pupils enrolled at present. In addition to thorough training in 
such branches as business. English, shorthand and typewriting, 
bookkeeping, rapid calculation, commerce and industry, penman- 
ship, advertising salesmanship, etc., the pupils are learning to 
operate the most modern office machinery — the multigraph, mim- 
eograph, adding machines, filing devices, etc. The college is under 
the able management of Karl F. Adams, formerly of Springfield, 
Mass., as principal. 

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. 

Creighton University. 

The Creighton University, founded in 1878, takes its name 
from Edward Creighton, one of the pioneers of the west, who 
died intestate on November 5, 1871r, leaving his wife, Mary 
Lucretia Creighton, his sole heir. Though free to use her fortune 
as she pleased, she determined to carry out the oft expressed 
intention of her late husband to found a free college for boys, 
and in her will, dated September 23, 1875, she bequeathed $100,- 
000 for this purpose "as a memorial of my late husband." ]\rrs. 
Creighton died January 23, 1876. Count John A. Creighton, brother 
of Edward, was one of the executors of the will. In turn the 



OMAHAMEMORIES 95 

Count became its largest benefactor, leaving it on his death, 
which occurred February 7, 1907, with a substantial endowment 
and a plant comprising eight large buildings, constructed for 
educational purposes. The University, which was the outgrowth 
of the College, now includes a Preparatory Course, as well as 
Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Law, Medicine, Dentistry and 
Pharmacy. Owing to the generosity of the Creightons, tuition is 
free in the preparatory course and in the College of Arts; the 
charges are moderate in the professional schools. The Univer- 
sity's enrollment in 1915, including the summer session, was 
1,198. Under the terms of the foundation, the preparatory course 
and College of Arts are open to men only, but the professional 
schools are co-educational. While the control of the University 
is vested in the Jesuits, one of the teaching orders of the Cath- 
olic Church, no distinction is made as to creed or race in any 
of the departments. The present officers are Rev. Francis Mc- 
Menamy, president ; Eev. Wm. P. Whelan, secretary ; Rev. Thomas 
Livingston, treasurer. 

University of Nebraska. 

The L^niversity was located in Omaha at Forty-second Street 
and Dewey Avenue, about 1910. Those in charge are : Dr. 
Irving Cutter, dean ; Dr. Oscar Schultz, pathology ; Dr. A. A. 
Johnson, clinical pathology ; Dr. C. W. Poynter, anatomy ; Dr. 
A. E. Guenther, physiology ; Dr. Willard, histology and embry- 
ology. 

University of Omaha. 

The University of Omaha is located at 3612 North Twenty- 
fourth Street in the old Redick home, and several additional 
buildings, which have been erected on the property since it was 
started here in 1910. Rev. Daniel Jenkins is president. 



Miscellaneous. 

Boyles' College, Eighteenth and Harney — Horace Boyles, presi- 
dent and treasurer. 

Mt. St. Mary's Seminary — Sisters of Mercy, Fifteenth and Cas- 
tellar Streets. 

St. Berchman's Academy — Sisters of Mercy, Twenty-seventh and 
St. Mary's Avenue. 

Sacred Heart Convent — Aladams, 36th and Burt Streets. 

Sacred Heart High School — Dominican Sisters, Twenty-second 
and Binney Streets. 

Presbyterian Theological Seminary — Kountze Place. 

Brownell Hall — Tenth and Worthington Streets. 

School for the Deaf — Forty-fifth and Boulevard. 



96 OMAHA MEMORIES 

OUR WATERWORKS. 

In June, 1880, the matter of securing for this city a water 
plant was considered, by the introduction in the city council of 
an ordinance providing for the erection of such a plant. The 
bone of contention before the passage of the ordinance lay in 
the mode of pressure to be used, A companj^ which felt sure of 
securing the franchise sought to have the ordinance framed so as 
to construct a plant on what they termed the "Holley Sj'stem, " 
or direct pressure. This system was vigorously fought by Ed- 
ward Rosewater, editor of the Bee, to Avhom credit must be given 
for the defeat of that provision of the ordinance, which to this 
day is conceded to have proven the wisdom of his foresight. 
The franchise was given to a company %vho designated them- 
selves as the Omaha Water Works Company, with S. E. Locke 
as president, and a number of Omaha men as stockholders. As 
early as 1890 the stock held by local men was bought by an eastern 
syndicate, with Alonzo B. Hunt of this city as superintendent 
and general manager (both financially and politically). In the 
early '90s the plant went into the hands of a receiver and after 
its reorganization was known as the American Water Company, 
with A. B. Hunt undisturbed. In 1900 an agitation arose for 
municipal ownership of the plant and soon assumed a proportion 
that challenged the attention of the legislature, then in session, 
which gave and granted the city of Omaha the right to purchase 
the plant. An election was called and a bond proposition of 
$3,000,000 was submitted for that purpose, which met the approval 
of the voters. 

« 

The water company refused to sell at that price and no fur- 
ther steps were taken in the matter of the purchase until the 
convening of the next session of the legislation, in 1903, when R. 
Beecher Howell, a member of the senate from Douglas county, 
secured an amendment to the city charter providing for the 
appointment of three men to make an appraisement of the plant. 
The city, under this provision, was to choose one of the apprais- 
ers, the water company one, and the tAvo to select a third, all of 
which -vvas done. Two of the appraisers entered into a combine 
and the city was helpless when an appraisement of over .$5,000,000 
was returned, which report the city council promptly refused to 
concur in. This refusal on the part of the cit}^ resulted in insti- 
tuting legal proceedings in the federal courts, which was finally 
determined by the Ihiited States Supreme Court in a verdict 
against the city, which judgment and costs amounted to over 
$6,000,000. In 1912 a bond proposition of $7,000,000 was submit- 
ted to the people for the purpose of paying this judgment and 
costs, which proposition was carried. In July of that year the 
Water Board assumed the entire control of the plant and Omaha 
became the owner of its own water works. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 97 

In my judgment the people of Omaha paid too dearly for 
their whistle, as the plant was never worth more than $3,000,000 
at any time, and more especiall.y after the number of years that 
had elapsed from the time of the offer and the tender of the 
$3,000,000 until the final termination of the litigation. The prop- 
erty, having been run down and neglected, was very much dete- 
riorated and the people of Omaha were practically swindled out 
of $4,000,000 through the passage of the law denying the city 
council the right to reject as well ai accept the report of the 
appraisers — this, coupled with the insane desire formed through 
the deception practiced upon the people in portraying the bene- 
fits to be derived through municipal ownership. As a consequence 
we have an additional debt heaped upon the heads of taxpayers 
of $7,000,000 and interest, with water rent no cheaper than was 
furnished by the privately owned concern, notwithstanding the 
beautiful array of figures which by a system of legerdemain we 
are led to believe that we are getting our water at a 100 per cent 
reduction. Speaking from my own personal experience, I can 
truthfully say that I paid less for water under the privately 
owned system than under that of municipal ownership. 

And yet we hear the hue and cry raised by some of our 
daily papers that the city should own the gas works, the electric 
light plant and the street railwa3^ In this cry they are joined 
by designing politicians, with the view and purpose of creating 
for themselves and their friends fat berths and an impregnable 
political fort. 

PARKS AND BOULEVARDS. 

In 1897 there were but two public parks in the city of 
Omaha — Jefferson Square and Ilanscom Park. Jefferson Square 
Park was donated to the city at the time the city was incor- 
porated. It embraces one city block, bounded on the north by 
Cass Street, south by Chicago Street, east by Fifteenth Street 
and west by Sixteenth Street. 

Hanscom Park was donated to the city in the early '70s by 
A. J. Ilanscom and James G. Megeath — there being no provision 
made by law for the keep and maintenance of parks or the pur- 
chase of lands for such purposes until the session of the legisla- 
ture of 1887 ; prior to that time there was no effort made to beau- 
tify our two parks. The city hired a park keeper at Ilanscom, 
who was paid a meager salary in addition to free house rent ; 
the only ornaments worthy of note in the park up to 1890 were 
two cadaverous bald eagles, disgustingly devouring raw meats. 
On the east entrance to this park was an arch sign which read, 
•''Nature Designs and Art Improves;" this old adage no doubt 
has been read by many who visited that park in the early '80s. 
If nature in its crude form ever needed the touch of art that 
park certainly did. Thirty years have worked wonders there 



98 O M A H A M E M O R I E S 

with its now grand pavilion, beautiful winding driveways, flower 
gardens and lake. 

There are nineteen parks in Greater Omaha today, with an 
acreage of dry land of 917 acres and 217 acres under water. 
The principal ones are Hanscom, Elmwood, Miller, Riverview, 
Kountze, Bemis, Curtis and Fontenelle. 

Omaha has thirty-five miles of boulevards, well kept and 
M'ell devised, traveling in directions which enable one to gain a 
magnificent view of Omaha as well as western Iowa and the 
Avinding stream of the ]\Iissouri River and the ^Missouri Valley. 

At first our parks and boulevards were under the super- 
vision of a Park Board, which board for a time was appointed by 
the judges of the District Court of this judicial district. This 
was later changed, the appointive power being vested in the 
mayor. In 1910, the city having adopted the commission form 
of government, this department came under the management of 
one of the commissioners, the department of Parks and Boule- 
vards, which department since its creation has been and is j^et 
under the efficient management of Joseph Hummel. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 99 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 
MAYORS OF OMAHA FROM 1879 TO 1917. 

Champion S. Chase. 

Champion S. Chase was mayor of Omaha when I came to 
Omaha, January 15, 1880. The city was run on a free and easy 
hasis, saloons were numerous and never closed. Government 
license was all that was required, and regulation was unheard 
of. Gambling- was wide open, and the resorts for such purposes 
were numerous and unbridled, it being the usual custom to have 
a ''spieler" in front of each gambling joint. 

Cheap, rough and tough theaters were numerous and limit- 
less as to conduct ; one in particular I recall was the old St, 
Elmo, located at 112-14 South Twelfth Street and run by Jack 
Nugent. It was no unusual thing to hear of a man being mur- 
dered there every week. This continued until the Omaha Herald 
and Omaha Bee took the matter in hand and began a crusade 
against the place and against the mayor, resulting in the closing 
of the theater. 

This was but a sample of the many evils that went unchecked 
during Mayor Chase's first administration when it ended in May, 
1881, This was what the people at that time wanted, and INIayor 
Chase let them enjoy it. 

James E. Boyd. 

James E. Boyd was elected mayor of Omaha in May, 1881, 
defeating I. S. Ilascall. On Mayor Boj'd's entr^- into office, much 
was expected of him. The Slocumb law had been enacted by the 
legislature of that year. The brewers and saloon keepers sought 
to ignore the law and looked to Mayor Boyd to refuse to enforce 
it. In this they were disappointed, as the mayor vigorously 
enforced the law, and for some time became ver.y unpopular. 
His enforcement of the law soon proved his good judgment, as 
the malcontents had cooled off and lived up to a law that proved 
the most satisfactory of any ever enacted in the regulation of 
the liquor traffic. As previously stated in this work. Mayor Boyd 
was the first to inaugurate a system of public improvements in 
Omaha, such as grading, sewering and paving. In fact, his ad- 
ministration was a purelj^ business one. The moral standard of 
the city was elevated to a remarkable degree, and he would have 
retired from his first term a popular man were it not for his act 
in calling out the state militia in suppressing the famous "dump 
strike." 



1(0 OMAHA MEMORIES 

Champion S. Chase. 

In the spring of 1883, Champion S. Chase was again elected 
mayor of Omaha. 

The city having enjoj^ed a clean administration for two 
years under Mayor Boyd, the public was in no humor to tolerate 
lawlessness, though electing Chase over Judge James W. Savage 
by the small majority of 151 votes. Judge Savage being the law 
and order candidate. 

The city had begun to take on airs by this time and the 
press and public vied with each other in an effort to maintain 
law, order and decency, thereby proceeded to curb and restrain 
those who sought to pursue their old antic capers as enjoyed 
under Mayor Chase 's first administration. 

Mayor Chase was unfortunate in his selection of city mar- 
shal, having selected a man for that position by the name of 
Guttery, a machinist at the Union Pacific shops. 

This man, shortly after his appointment, began to collect 
the fines from the inmates of houses of prostitution, failing to 
make return of the money to the city treasurer. An investiga- 
tion was had, which resulted in the arrest and conviction of 
Mr. Guttery and his serving three years in the state peniten- 
tiary. The outgrowth of this investigation, which was bitterly 
carried on and vigorously prosecuted b}^ the then county attor- 
ney. Park Godwin, resulted in the impeachment of Mayor Chase 
and, while not actually removed by the city council, he never 
sought to perform the duties of the office during the balance of 
his term, which was about one year. The president of the city 
council, P. F. ]\Iurphy, acted as mayor. Mayor Chase was after- 
ward appointed collector of customs for this part in 1898 and 
died about 1899. 

P. F. Murphy, Acting Mayor. 

Patrick F. Murphy in May, 1884, and by reason of the re- 
moval of Mayor Chase, was by the city council declared and 
recognized as acting mayor during the balance of Mayor Chase's 
unexpired term. 

Mayor Murphy conducted the affairs of the office to the 
satisfaction of the people, there being little or no friction between 
himself and the city council, and no loud protest on the part of 
the people concerning the moral status of the city. 

He was nominated by the republican party as their candi- 
date for mayor in the spring of 1885, but was defeated by James 
E. Boyd after one of the most bitter and acrimonious elections 
ever held in Omaha, and by a majority of 51 votes, claimed by 
many to have been secured by fraud. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 101 

A more complete history of jMr. Murphy's life will be seen 
in these Keeollections, for the 3'ear 1885, 

William J. Broatch. 

William J. Broatch was elected mayor of Omaha April 1887, 
having defeated Joseph Garneau, the democratic nominee. 

This was Mr. Broatch 's first term, he succeeding himself, 
however, in November, 1895. During this (his first) term he 
devoted himself to the building up of a political machine — one 
that outstripped Tammany Hall in its palmiest days. 

His every acts and movements had in them a political sig- 
nificance, which tended at all times and under all circumstances 
to foster, nourish and mature his political plans. From his city 
attorney down to the street cleaner, none dared breathe the air 
of independence or give vent to an expression that was deroga- 
tory to his mighty machine or his political ambition. All had 
to have a permit from him to live, and a license to breathe the 
free air of heaven and enjoy the sunshine. How this mighty 
chief failed of renomination is fully set forth in these Recollec- 
tions under the heading of events of 1889. 

Richard C. Gushing. 

Richard C. Gushing was elected mayor of Omaha December, 
1889, taking his seat on January 1, 1890. 

He was nominated by the democratic party without his 
knowledge and while out of the city, and knew nothing of his 
election until a few days before taking office. 

He defeated George W. Lininger, the republican nominee 
and the selection of Edward Rosewater, editor of the Omaha Bee, 
after one of the most remarkable and bitter fights ever experi- 
enced in the political history of this city, the details of which 
appear in these Recollections in the record of events of 1889. 

Mr. Gushing, or Mayor Gushing, having defeated Mr. Rose- 
water's choice, he became a target for his virulent and merciless 
attacks, and without cause or provocation. 

A council which was in accord Mdth his policies and which 
constituted three-fourths of that body, came in for a like share 
of abuse from Mr. Rosewater, as is more fully stated in these 
Recollections in the record of events of 1890-1. 

Mr. Gushing Avas a business man and conducted the public's 
business as he would conduct his own private affairs, never per- 
mitting politics to enter into any duty that pertained to the wel- 
fare of the city of Omaha, He was no politician and while he 
was a democrat, yet his appointments were equally divided 
between democrats and republicans. Fitness for office was the 
sole requirement of the applicant. 



102 O M A H A M E M O R I E S 

He knew nothing and eared less about the political game, 
3'et he made a record for doing things that has never been 
equalled in the history of Omaha, his administration being the 
only one so far in Omaha's history where a retiring administra- 
tion left a surplus in every fund. See Recollections of 1890-1 
of this book. 

Perhaps I may be accused by some as being partial to Mr. 
Gushing and boastful of his administration for the reason that I 
Avas a member of tlie city council during the two years of his 
administration. To those I would appeal to the records, which 
is always the best evidence. 

Mr. Gushing left Omaha in 1906, moving to Los Angeles, 
Galifornia, where he died in 1912. 

George P. Bemis. 

George P. Bemis was elected to his first term as mayor of 
Omaha December, 1891, taking his seat January 3, 1892. 

Mr. Bemis was taken from the archives, from which he was 
resurrected by Edward Rosewater. His only claim to the office 
lay in the fact that he was a nephew of George Francis Train, 
he of visionary fame. 

How his nomination was broulit about may be found in 
these Recollections in noting the events of 1891. 

Mr. Bemis served two terms, having succeeded himself in 
1894. 

For the purposes of signing all warrants and public docu- 
ments he was apparently alive ; aside from that he breathed only 
with the consent of Edward Rosewater and W. J. Connell. 

William J. Broatch. 

On January 1, 1906, AY. J. Broatch was again seated as 
mayor of Omaha for the second time, defeating Gharles H. Brown. 

The army of office seekers who had been shut out for four 
years under the Bemis-Rosewater regime rallied to their old boss 
in the primary and put him " over, " and were now ready to accept 
the loaves and fishes which the old Tammany boss dished out as 
was his custom in his halcyon days. 

Kr. Broatch in his second term had evidently gained wis- 
dom by past experience, as his conduct and general demeanor 
was a striking contrast to that of his first term. This was evi- 
denced by the fact that he sought to avoid entangling alliances 
and political dictation. By so doing he succeeded in making 
for himself a creditable record during that term. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 103 

Frank E. Moores. 

The legislature of 1897 having changed the date of the city 
election from the usual time in December to that of April, cut 
short Mayor Broatch's term nine months. 

On April 15, 1897, the election was held and Frank E. Moores 
was elected mayor for the first time, having defeated Ed. E. 
Howell, for whose benefit the charter was changed, and by his 
own efforts, he being then a member of the state senate. In addi- 
tion to the change of time of holding city elections, the term 
was extended from tM'o years to three. 

Mayor Moores did not get peaceable possession of the office, 
as there was a question as to his eligibility to hold the office, 
the contention being that while clerk of the District Court he 
had failed to turn over to his successor in office certain moneys 
claimed to be due from him paid by litigants. This claim was 
disputed by "Sir. Moores, but Mr. Broatch refused to vacate the 
office of mayor while the matter was in dispute. However, 
]\Iayor-elect Moores gained possession of the office during the 
night prior to his installation and, having been in possession, 
the burden of a contest fell upon Mr. Broatch, who after consid- 
erable litigation, was defeated, and Mayor Moores Avas left 
undisturbed, serving out his term of three years. 

Frank E. Moores. 

At the spring primarj' of 1900 Frank E. ]\Ioores was again 
a candidate for the nomination for mayor, having as his opponent 
W. W. Bingham, the then president of the city council. 

This primary was hard fought, was bitter and unrelenting, 
resulting in a tie vote in the convention, with the Ninth ward on 
"the fence," the outcome of which was that Moores' men out- 
generaled the Bingham men by giving the nomination for city 
treasurer to Gus Henning, one of the delegates from the Ninth 
ward, thus securing the votes from that ward and thereby the 
nomination of Moores for mayor. 

Mr. Moores had as his opponent at the election W. S. Pop- 
pleton, a democrat, a young lawyer, a native son of Omaha, a 
bright, clean young man (unfortunately too clean). He was 
defeated by Mayor Moores at the election by a majority of 1,000. 

Mr. Moores took his seat for the second time on May 20, 
1900, serving out his three years. 

Frank E. Moores. 

At the primary in the spring of 1903, Mayor IMoores was a 
candidate to succeed himself, having as his opponent E. A. Ben- 
son. This primary proved no less bitter and unrelenting than 



104 OMAHAMEMORIES 

that of 1900, presenting in many respects the same conditions as 
that of 1900, there being an equal number of delegates elected 
from the various wards for each of the two candidates. 

The convention was held in Washinton Hall. After some two 
hours of wrangling the Moores faction elected Robert Cowell 
(now on the school board) as chairman of the convention. The 
Benson faction elected C. W. DeLamatre (an attorney) as their 
chairman. Then pandemonium reigned supreme ; cat calls, crim- 
ination and recrimination furnished amusement for the spec- 
tators. 

In this connection I am free to say that I have never seen a 
human being display greater nerve or maintain a cooler head 
under like circumstances than did Robert Cowell, the Moores' 
chairman of that convention. 

It appeared that the Moores followers had elected one dele- 
gate in the Eighth ward by a majority of one vote. His name, I 
believe, was Rasmussen. This delegate did not show up at the 
convention. It was claimed by the Moores faction that he had 
been spirited away by the Benson crowd. IIo"wever, in the 
organization of the convention, the Moores element secured a 
Benson delegate from the Second ward in the person of one 
Mr. Ilaarman, thereby securing one majority for the purpose 
of organization. 

"When the roll call for nominations was made the Second 
ward cast its solid vote for Frank E. Moores. Haarman made 
an effort to rise for the purpose of voting for Mr. Benson. He 
was grabbed by the throat by one Sam Morris and forced down 
into his seat. The roll call showed that Frank E. Moores received 
a majority of one vote over IMr. Benson, and the chair declared 
Mr. Moores the nominee of the convention, whereupon the Benson 
delegates and folloAvers left the convention hall and proceeded 
to the ^Millard Hotel, where they nominated Benson for mayor 
and all the other candidates nominated by the Moores conven- 
tion with the exception of Mr. Moores. Mr. Benson's name, how- 
ever, did not appear on the official ballot as the republican 
nominee, but that of a citizens' ticket. 

The democrats in their convention at the Turner Hall, Eight- 
eenth and Harney Streets, a few days after the republican con- 
vention nominated Ed. E. Howell for mayor. 

At the election Mayor Moores was elected by 800 plurality, 
taking his seat for the third time a few days after his election. 
His health having failed, he was absent from his office the greater 
part of one year. 

He did not live to serve out his entire term, dying a short 
time before the expiration of his term, February, 1906. He was 



OMAHAMEMORIES 105 

succeeded by Harry Zimman, then president of the city council, 
who served out the balance of Mayor Moores' unexpired term 
as acting mayor. 

Mayor Moores was a much abused man and unjustly so. Few 
men knew him better than I, having known him intimately for 
more than a quarter of a century prior to his death. Dliring 
that time I had occasion to know of the many acts of charity 
and kindness performed by him. He was a man with a big 
heart and an open pocketbook, ever ready and willing to give 
a helping hand to the deserving, and without show or display 
on his part. 

Frank E. Moores was a loyal friend and a bitter enemy; 
the fire of his loyalty was as intensely hot as the other was icy 
cold. 

Maj'or Moores made a good record as maj^or. Not a dollar 
of the public funds were unjustly squandered or extravagantly 
expended, and his remarkable record in handling the affairs of 
the city during the Trans-Mississippi Exposition will never be 
equalled by any other mayor of Omaha, as possibly the oppor- 
tunity will never be given to another mayor to handle such a 
large body of people and of such a mixed character. 

Mayor Moores was buried in Prospect Hill cemetery, where 
I frequently call to pay my respects to his mortal remains. May 
he rest in peace, as he had little of it while in public life. 

Harry B. Zimman, Acting Mayor. 

Harry B. Zimman filled out the unexpired term of Mayor 
Moores and discharged the duties of the office to the satisfaction 
of the general public, and with such credit to himself that his 
term will ever remain a living monument to his memory. 

James C. Dahlman. 

James C. Dahlman was elected mayor of Omaha for the first 
time April 20, 1906, and for three consecutive terms thereafter, 
and at this writing is mayor of Omaha, his term expiring May, 
1918. 

James C. Dahlman was born in Dewitt County, Texas, De- 
cember 15,, 1856, and came to Nebraska in 1878; was engaged in 
handling horses and cattle in his boyhood days in Texas. On 
arriving in Nebraska he worked as a cowboy for three years 
on one of the big ranches in western Nebraska, was shortly after- 
wards made foreman — trailing cattle from Indian Territory and 
as far west as Oregon. 

He was later appointed branding inspector for the Wyoming 
Stock Association, located at Valentine, Nebraska, which at that 
time was the terminus of the railroad. When Dawes County was 



106 OMAHAMEMORIES 

organized he was elected sheriff three consecutive terms, and 
mayor of Chadron for two consecutive terms; was a member of 
the railway commission of Nebraska from 1896 to 1897; was 
chairman of the democratic state central committee four years; 
on the democratic national committee for eight years ; was en- 
gaged in the commission business at South Omaha for the first 
five years after moving to Omaha or until his election as mayor. 

Mr. Dahlman was comparatively unknown in Omaha when 
first filing for the office of mayor. For that reason his aspirations 
were at first treated as a joke, but, having had no opposition, 
he Avas as a matter of course nominated. 

He had for his opponent E. A. Benson, who secured the 
republican nomination against W. J. Broatch and Gus Henning 
at the primary on what was supposed to have been a reform 
movement. As the campaign progressed this unknown and sup- 
posed joker in the pack proved himself one of the finest cam- 
paigners that ever ran for office in this city. So rapidly had be 
gained in popiilarity that the average hall became too small to 
hold his audiences and Avas forced in the last days of his cam- 
paign to rent theaters to accommodate the multitude. 

The election being held, he defeated his opponent by 2,900 
votes, and carried the entire democratic ticket with him with the 
exception of Harry Zimman for the city council. 

Mr. Dahlman, having creditably and satisfactorily served out 
his first term of three years, was again a candidate to succeed 
himself. He again secured the nomination, having as his oppo- 
nent at the primary Edward E. Berryman. His opponent at the 
election was John P. Breen, an attorney, who secured the repub- 
lican nomination. 

At this election ]\Ir. Dahlman made his second whirlwind 
campaign, defeating his opponent by about 3,000 votes, thus for 
the second time defeating the candidates of the so-called ''Law 
and Order League." 

Mayor Dahlman having served his second term to the satis- 
faction of the general public, he again became a candidate to 
succeed himself. The city, having, by act of the legislature, 
adopted the commission form of government, and on a non-parti- 
san basis, Mr. Dahlman was nominated as one of the commis- 
sioners, but not without one of the hardest fights of his life. 

The so-called better element had selected from among the 
nominees seven men, placing them on what they termed a "Citi- 
zens Ticket.'' The "Peoples Ticket'' or more properly called "The 
Dahlman Ticket," was composed of the seven discards, or those 
men classed as undesirables, the result being that at the election 
every man on the "Peoples," or "Dahlman Ticket," was elected 
by large majorities, and served for three years as such commis- 



OMAHA MEMORIES 107 

sioners, after selecting and electing Mr. Dahlman as mayor, thus 
making his third term as such. 

Having served one term under the commission form of gov- 
ernment and three terms as mayor, Mr. Dahlman was a candidate 
to succeed himself at the primary in April, 1915. 

At that primary the Omaha Daily News selected seven men 
for commissioners; as in the previous primary election, four- 
teen had to be nominated. The Dahlman ticket at the primary 
was made up of six of the holdovers, and a new man for the 
seventh place. 

At the primary the seven on the Dahlman ticket were nomi- 
nated and a scattering few on the News' ticket. The News then 
selected six from the other seven nominees, framed and pre- 
sented a ticket of seven men, taking up one of the Dahlman men. 

At the election Mr. Dahlman and four others on his ticket 
were re-elected, the News having pulled through but two of its 
candidates, one of which was supported by the World-Herald and 
the other by the Bee. 

On the organization of the council, or the commissioners, 
Mr. Dahlman was selected and elected by the body as mayor, and 
by a unanimous vote. 

It is very evident from this brief biography of Mr. Dahlman 
that there must be something unusual in the makeup of this man 
that has made him so popular, and that has kept and maintained 
his popularity, for no ordinary man could have maintained it as 
long as he has, more particularly in public life. 

A man that has run for office nearly a score of times and 
never having suffered but one defeat (when he ran for governor 
of this state a few years ago) ; yet few men running for office 
were ever more brutally assailed and vilified than he. 

Having been chief executive of this city for four consecutive 
terms, justly entitles him to the credit and honor of being the 
most popular man Omaha has ever had. In this connection I 
will state that to Miss Nellie C. Malone, his efficient secretary, 
is due much of this credit. 

Those who have had no dealings with him will naturally put 
the query, "Why his popularity?" This question, I think I am 
in good position to answer, differing as I do from him in religion 
and politics, not related to him by marriage or otherwise, never 
having enjoyed an office at his hands, never having sought or 
been tendered one by or through him, nor ever expecting any. 

Now as to why he is popular: 

Because he is honest, and that no one living or dead could, 
can or ever did deny. Because he is broad-minded and free from 



108 OMAHA MEMORIES 

the evil of bigotry or fanaticism, a hater of sham reformers and 
dreamy imbeciles. Because he is loyal to his family, his friends, 
his country and his God — traits that constitute a true American. 
Because his heart and hand go out in response to calls and 
demands of the poor and oppressed, the widow and the orphan, 
and so long as a dollar jingles in his pocket, the one with a 
hard luck story can have all of it but carfare. Because he has 
protected the taxpayer against the grafter, the trickster and the 
oily-tongued confidence men who seek to make an inroad upon 
the city treasury. Because his administration has never been 
even tainted with the breath of scandal. 

"With these noble traits of manhood, of which there is no 
denying he possesses, is it any wonder that he is popular, is it 
any wonder that the attacks made upon him by designing per- 
sons have been denied and repudiated by the vote of the people 
as expressed at the ballot box time and again, and no doubt will 
be repeatedly expressed so long as James C. Dahlman lives and 
asks for the suffrage of the people of Omaha. 

Long may he live, and may his shadow never grow less, is 
the wish of a big majority of the people of Omaha ; and were I 
to drink to him a toast, my sentiments would be those expressed 
by Lord Byron in his toast to Tom IMoore : 

"Were there but one drop in the well 

As I stood upon the brink. 
Ere my fainting spirit fell 

'Tis to the Jim Dahlman I would drink." 






OMAHAMBMORIES 109 



CHAPTER XL. 

Members of the City Council; Commissioners; Presidents of the 
Council; also City Clerks and Deputies who have served 
Omaha from 1879 to 1917. 

1880. 

Mayor — Champion S. Chase. 
President of Council — James E. Boyd. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Charles Kaufman, E. Roddis. 

Second Ward — George Labaugh, Charles W. Sherman, 

Third Ward — Thomas Blackmore, William II. Kent. 

Fourth Ward — Henry Ilornberger, John D. Jones. 

Fifth Ward — Levi J. Kennard, Thomas H. Dailey. 

Sixth Ward — 0, G. Dodge, James Stephenson, James E. Boyd. 
City Clerk — Truman Buck; resigned April 20, 1880, and on the 

same date James F. McCartney was elected in his place. 
No Deputy City Clerk. 

1881. 
Mayor — James E. Boyd. 
President of Council — Thomas H. Dailey. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Alexander Mc- Fourth — M. Dunham. 
Gavick, 

Second — M. A. McNamara, Fifth — Thomas Dailey. 

Third — Henry Ilornberger. Sixth — W. J. Barker. 

Councilmen at Large — 

Richard O'Keefe J. 0. Corby 

Fred Dellone Charles Kaufman 

Samuel Hessman Homer Steel 

City Clerk— J. J. L. C. Jewett. 

No Deputy City Clerk. 

1882. 

Mayor — James E. Boyd. 

President of Council — Homer Stull. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward— C. C. Thrane. Fourth— M. Dunham. 

Second— John F. Behm. Fifth— Ed. Leeder. 

Third— D. L. McGuckin. Sixth— W. J. Baker. 

City Clerk— J. J. L. C. Jewett. No Deputy City Clerk. 



110 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



1883. 

Mayor — Champion S. Chase. 
President of Council — W. J. Baker, 
^Members of Council — 

First Ward— C. C. Thrane. 

Second — John F. Behm. 

Third— D. L. JMcGuckin. 
Couneilmen at Large — 

P. F. Murphy 

Charles Kaufman 

C. A. Woodworth 



Fourth — M. Dunham. 
Fifth— Ed. Leeder. 
Sixth— W. J. Baker. 



I. S. Hascall 
William Anderson 
J. B. Redfield 



City Clerk— J. J. L. C. Jewett. No Deputy. 

1884. 

Mayor — Champion S. Chase. 
President of Council — P. F. Murphy. 
IMembers of Council — 

First Ward— C. C. Thrane. Fourth— Will F. Bechtel. 

Second — John F. Behm. Fifth — Ed. Leeder. 

Third— Pat. Ford. Sixth— John B. Furay. 

City Clerk— J. J. L. C. Jewett. No Deputy. 

Maj'or Chase was removed from office June 30, 1884, and 
P. F. Murphj^, president of council, acted as mayor for the rest 
of the term. 

1885. 
Maj'^or — James E. Bojd. 
President of Council — William F. Bechtel. 
Members of Council — 



First Ward— C. C. Thrane. 

Second — John Behm. 

Third^Pat. Ford. 
Couneilmen at Large — 

Thomas Dailey 

C. F. Goodman 

Chas. S. Goodrich 
City Clerk— J. B. Southard. 



Fourth— AVm. F. Bechtel. 
Fifth — Ed. Leeder. 
Sixth — John B. Furay. 

Lewis Schroeder 
Michael Lee 
F. E. Bailey, Sr. 
No Deputy. 



1886. 

Mayor — James E. Boj^d. 

President of Council — William F. Bechtel. 

]\Iembers of Council — 

First AVard — Thos. J. Lawry 

Second — Frank J. Kasper. 

Third— Pat. Ford. 
Couneilmen at Large — 

Thos. Dailey 

C. F. Goodman 

Chas. S. Goodrich 



Fourth — Wm. F. Bechtel. 
Fifth— Chas. D. Cheney. 
Sixth— F. W. Manville. 



Michael Lee 
Louis Schroeder 
F. E. Bailey, Sr. 



City Clerk— J. B. Southard. No Deputy. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



111 



1887. 

Mayor — William J. Broach. 

President of Council — William F. Bechtel 

Members of Council — 

First Ward — Thos. J. Lowry 

Second — Frank J. Kasper. 

Third— Pat. Ford. 

Fourth — ^Wm. F, Bechtel. 

Fifth— Chas. Cheney. 



Sixth— F. W. Manville. 
Seventh — W^. II. Alexander. 
Eighth— A. M. Kitchen. 
Ninth — ^AV, I. Kierstead. 



Councilmen at Large — 

Isaac S. Hascall 

Michael Lee 

F. E. Bailey, Sr. 

J. M. Counsman 

Chas. Van Camp 
City Clerk— J. B. Southard. No Deputy 



Adam Snyder 
Jeff W. Bedford 
John F. Boyd 
Leavit Burnham 



1888-1889. 

Mayor — W. J. Broatch. 

President of Council — Michael Lee. 

Members of Council — 

First AVard — Thos. Lowry, 

Second — Frank J. Kasper. 

Third— Pat. Ford. 

Fourth^=^Daniel TI. AVheeler. 

Fifth— Ed. 'Connor. 

Councilmen at Large — 

Isaac S. Hascall 

Michael Lee 

F. E. Bailey, Sr. 

Chas. L. Van Camp 

J. M. Counsman 
City Clerk— J. B. Southard ; served in 1888 and 1889 ; elected by 
City Council for one year. No Deputy. 

1890. 

Mayor — R. C. Cushing. 

President of Council — C. L. Chaifee. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward — Thos. J. Lowry. Sixth — Wm. G. Shriver. 

Second — Frank J. Kasper. Seventh — C. L. Chaffee. 

Third— Pat. Ford. Eighth— A. H. Sander. 

Fourth — Dan H. Wheeler. Ninth — Edgar P. Davis. 

Fifth— Ed O'Connor. 



Sixth — Wm. G. Shriver. 
Seventh — C. L. Chaffee. 
Eighth — Albert II. Sander. 
Ninth — Edgar P. Davis. 



Adam Snyder 
Jeff W. Bedford 
John F. Boyd 
Leavit Burnham 



112 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



Councilmen at Large — 

Wni. Bechtel 

Theo. Olsen 

F. D. Bloomer 

John MeLearie 

B. F. Madsen 
City Clerk — John Groves. 
Deputy — Harry Counsman. 



Jas. Donnelly, Sr, 
Henry Osthoff 

E. F. Morearty 

F. D. Cooper 



1891. 



Mayor — R. C. dishing. 

President of Council — Thomas Lowry. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward — Thos. J. Lowry. 

Second — Peter Elsasser. 

Third— Richard Burdish. 

Fourth— Thos. Tuttle. 

Fifth— T. J. Conway. 

Councilmen at Large — 

Wm. Bechtel 

Theo. Olsen 

F. J. Bloomer 

John ]\rcLearie 

B. F. Madsen 
City Clerk — John GrOves. 
Deputy— n. W. Giberson. 

1892. 

Mayor — George P. Bemis. 
President of Council — E. P. Davis. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward— Thos. Lowry. 

Second — Peter E. Elsasser. 

Third— Richard Burdish. 

Fourth— Thos. Tuttle. 

Fifth— T. J. Conway. 

Councilmen at Large — 

Peter Bach 

Wm. Bechtel 

Albert Edwards 

Ed. Howell 

H. Jacobsen 
City Clerk — John Groves. 
Deputy — U. B. Balcombe. 



Sixth — Christian Specht. 
Seventh — C. L. Chaffee. 
Eighth— C. E. Brunner. 
Ninth — Edgar P. Davis. 



Jas. Donnelly, Sr. 
H. Osthoff 
E. F. Morearty 
P. D. Cooper 



Sixth— Chris Specht. 
Seventh— C. L. Chaft'ee. 
Eighth— C. E. Brunner. 
Ninth — Edgar P. Davis. 



Geo, Mimroe 
John McLearie 
Sol Prince 
John Steel 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



113 



1893. 

Mayor — George P. Bemis, 
President of Council— W. F. Beehtel. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Isaac S. Ilascall. Sixth — Chris Specht, 

Second — Peter E. Elsasser. Seventh — C. L. Thomas. 

Third — A. B. McAndrews. Eighth — C. E. Brunner. 

Fourth — D. II. W. Wheeler. Ninth — Churchill Parker. 

Fifth— W. A. Saunders. 
Councilmen at Large — 

Peter Bach 

Wm. Beehtel 

A. G. Edwards 

Ed. Newall , 

H. Jacobsen 
City Clerk — John Groves. 
Deputy — U. B. Balcombe. 



George Munroe 
John McLearie 
Sol Prince 
John Steele 



1894. 

Mayor — George P. Bemis. 

President of Council — Ed. E. Howell. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward — Isaac Ilascall. 

Second — ^Peter Elsasser. 

Third— A. B. McAndrews. 

Fourth— D. H. Wheeler. 

Fifth— W. A. Sanders. 
Councilmen at Large — 

Peter Bach 

Wm. Beehtel 

Frank Burkley 

Albert Cahn 

A. J. Edwards 
*Mr. Wakely died August 1, 1894, and J. T. Evans was appointed 

Clerk to serve until. next election. 
Deputy — U. B. Balcombe. 

1895. 

Mayor — George P. Bemis. 

President of Council — A. G. Edwards. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward — Sam I. Gordon. Sixth — Chas. L. Jaynes. 

Second — Antone Kiment. Seventh — Chas. L. Thomas. 

Third— Sol Prince. Eighth— Cadet Taylor. 

Fourth — F. B. Kennard. Ninth — George IMercer. 

Fifth— W. A. Saunders. 



Sixth — Chris Specht. 
Seventh — C. L. Thomas. 
Eighth — C. E. Bruner. 
Ninth — Churchill Parker. 



Robt. Holmes 
Ed. E. Howell 
II. Jacobsen 
John Lemly 



114 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



Coiincilmen at Large — 

Peter Bach 

Wm. Bechtel 

F. J. Burkley 

Albert Calm 

A. G. Edwards 
City Clerk — Beeeher Iligby. 
Deputy — George 11. Ilolbrook. 



Robert Holmes 
Ed. E. Howell 
H. Jaeobsen 
John Lemlv 



1896. 

Mayor— AV. J. Broatch. 

President of Council— ^AY-. A. Saunders 

Members of Council — 

First Ward— I. S. Hascall. 

Second — Antone Kiment. 

Third— Sol Prince. 

Fourth— F. P. Kennard, 

Fifth— W. A. Saunders. 
Councilmen at Large — 

W. W. Bingham 

John Lemly 

R. D. Duncan 

Louis Burmeister 

D. H. Wheeler 
City Clerk— Beeeher Iligby. 
Deputy — George II. Ilolbrook. 



Sixth — Chas. Jaynes. 
Seventh— C. L. Thomas. 
Eighth— Cadet Taylor. 
Ninth — George ^Monroe. 



D. H. Christie 
Carr Axford 
James Allen 

F. J. Burkley 

G. Benewa 



1897. 

]\Iayor— W. J. Broatch. 

President of Council — W. W. Bingham. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward— Ernest Stuht. 

Second— Thos. J. Flvnn. 

Third— Richard CAIalley. 

Fourth— AVm. F. Bechtel. 

Fifth— Alfred J. Lunt. 
Councilmen at Large — 

W. W. Bingham 

Robt, D. Duncan 

Louis Burmeister 

D. H. Wheeler 

D. H. Christie 
City Clerk— Beeeher Higby. 
Deputy — George II. Holbrook. 



Sixth— Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh— D. T. i\Iouut. 
Eighth— Thos. S. Crocker. 
Ninth — Geo. W. fiercer. 



Carr Axford 
James Allen 

F. J. Burkley 

G. S. Benewa 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



115 



Election April 20, 1897. 

jVIayor — Frank E. Moores. 

President of Council — W. W. Bingham. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward— Ernest Stuht. 

Second — W. W. Bingham. 

Third — Louis Burmeister. 

Fourth — Wm. F. Bechtel. 

Fifth— Chas. 0. Lobeck. 
City Clerk — Beecher Higby. 
Deputy — George H. Holbrook. 

1898. 

Mayor — Frank E. Moores. 

President of Council — W. W. Bingham 

Members of Council — 

First Ward— Ernest Stuht. 

Second — W. W. Bingham. 

Third — Louis Burmeister. 

Fourth — Wm. F. Bechtel. 

Fifth— C. 0. Lobeck. 
City Clerk — Beecher Higby. 
Deputy — George H, Holbrook. 

1899. 

jMayor — Frank E. Moores. 

President of Council — W. W. Bingham 

Members of Council — 

First Ward— Ernest Stuht. 

Second — W. W. Bingham. 

Third — Louis Burmeister. 

Fourth — Wm. F. Bechtel. 

Fifth— C. 0. Lobeck. 
City Clerk — Beecher Higby. 
Deputy — George H. Holbrook. 



Sixth — Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh— D. T. Mount. 
Eighth— F. J. Burkley. 
Ninth — Geo. W. IMercer. 



Sixth— Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh— D. T. Mount. 
Eighth— F. J. Burkley. 
Ninth— Geo. W. Mercer. 



Sixth — Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh — David T. Mount. 
Eighth— F. J. Burkley. 
Ninth — George W. Mercer. 



1900. 
Mayor — Frank E. Moores. 
President of Council — Myron D. Carr. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Isaac Hascall. 

Second — Fred H. Hoj^e. 

Third— H. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — Wm. B. Whitehorn. 

Fifth— C. O. Lobeck. 
City Clerk— Wm. H. Holbrook. 
Deputy — Frank Bandhaur. 



Sixth— Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh— D. T. Mount. 
Eighth— F. J. Burkley. 
Ninth — Simon Trostler. 



116 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



1901. 

Mayor— F. E. Moores. 

President of Council — !Myron D. Carr. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward — Isaac S. Hascall. 

Second — Fred H. Hoye. 

Third — H. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — Wm. B. Whitehorn, 

Fifth— C. 0. Lobeck. 
City Clerk— Wm. II. Elbourne. 
Deputy — Frank Bandhaur. 



Sixth — Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh— D. T. Mount. 
Eighth— F.' J. Burkley. 
Ninth — Simon Trostler. 



1902. 
Mayor — F. E. Moores. 
President of Council — Myron D. Carr 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Isaac S. Hascall 

Second — F. II. Iloye. 

Third — H. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — Wm. B. Whitehorn. 

Fifth— C. 0. Lobeck. 
City Clerk— AVm. Elbourne. 
Deputy — Frank Bandhaur. 

1903. 
Mayor — F. E. ]\Ioores. 
President of Council — ]\Iyron D. Carr. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Isaac S. Hascall, 

Second — F. II. Hoye. 

Third- H. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — Wm. B. Whitehorn. 

Fifth— C. 0. Lobeck. 
City Clerk— Wm. II. Elbourne. 
Deputy — Frank Bandhaur. 

1904. 
Mayor— F. E. IMoores. 
President of Council — PI. B. Zimman. 
IMembers of Council — 

First Ward— P. :\[. Bach. 

Second — F. II. Hoye. 

Third — ^11. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — George D. Nicholson. 

Fifth— D. J. O'Brien. 
City Clerk— Wm. II. Elbourne. 
Deputy — S. Simonson. 



Sixth — Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh— D. T. Mount. 
Eighth— F. J. Burkley. 
Ninth — ^Simon Trostler. 



Sixth — Myron D. Carr. 
Seventh— D. T. Mount. 
Eighth— F. J. Burkley. 
Ninth — Simon Trostler, 



Sixth— E. D. Evans. 
Seventh— R. W. Dvball. 
Eighth— P. C. Shroeder. 
Ninth — C. S. Huntington. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



117 



1905. 

Mayor — F. E. Moores. 

President of Council — H. B. Ziiuman. 

Members of Council — 

First Ward— P. M. Bach. 

Second — F. H. Iloye. 

Third — IT. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — Geo. D. Nicholson. 

Fifth— D. J. O'Brien. 
City Clerk — Wni. II. Elbourne. 
Deputy — S. Simonson. 

1906. 
Mayor — F. E. Moores. 
President of Council — II. B. Zimman. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward— P. M. Bach. 

Second — F. IT. Hoye. 

Third — H. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — A. H. Comstock. 

Fifth— D. J. O'Brien. 
City Clerk — W. H. Elbourne. 
Deputy — S. Simonson. 

1907. 
Mayor — James C. Dahlman. 
President of Council — L. B. Johnson. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — A. Hansen. 

Second — Lee Bridges. 

Third — IT. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — L. B. Johnson. 

Fifth— G. F. Brucker. 

Sixth— W. S. Sheldon. 
City Clerk — Dan Butler. 
Deputy — Tom Daily. 



Sixth— E. D. Evans. 
Seventh— R. W. Dyball. 
Eighth— P. C. Shroeder. 
Ninth — C. S. Huntington. 



Sixth— E. D. Evans. 
Seventh— R. W. Dyball. 
Eighth— P. C. Shroeder. 
Ninth — C. S. Huntington. 



Seventh — Alma Jackson. 
Eighth— J. C. Davis. 
Ninth — Thomas McGovern. 
Tenth— P. E. Elsasser. 
Eleventh — M. F. Funkhauser. 
Twelfth— J. W. Bedford. 



1908. 

Mayor — James C. Dahlman. 
President of Council — L. B. Johnson 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — A. Hansen. 

Second — Lee Bridges. 

Third — II. B. Zimman. 

Fourth — L. B. Johnson. 

Fifth— G. F. Brucker. 

Sixth— W. S. Sheldon. 
City Clerk — Dan Butler. 
Deputy — Thomas IT. Dailey. 



Seventh — Alma Jackson. 
Eighth— J. C. Diivis. 
Ninth — Thomas McGovern. 
Tenth — ^P. E. Elsasser. 
Eleventh — M. F. Funkhauser. 
Twelfth— J. W. Bedford. 



118 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



1909. 

Mayor — James C. Dalilmaii. 

President of Council — L. B. Johnson. 

Members of Council- 
First Ward— A. Hansen. 
Second — Lee Bridges. 
Third— H. B. Zimman. 
Fourth — L. B. Johnson. 
Fifth— G. F. Brucker. 
Sixth— W. S. Sheldon. 

City Clerk— Dan Butler. 

Deputy — Thomas II. Dailey. 



Seventh — Alma Jackson. 
Eighth— J. C. Davis. 
Ninth — Thomas McGovern. 
Tenth— P. E. Elsasser. 
Eleventh^M. F. Funkhauser. 
Twelfth— J. W. Bedford. 



Mayor — James C. Dahlmau. 
President of Council — Louis 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Louis Berka, 

Second — Lee Bridges. 

Third — Louis Burmeister. 

Fourth — L. B. Johnson. 

Fifth— G. F. Brucker. 

Sixth— W. S. Sheldon. 
City Clerk— Dan Butler. 
Deputy— Thomas II. Dailej'. 



1910. 
Burmeister. 



Seventh — Fred Schroeder. 
Eighth— J. B. Hummel. 
Ninth — Thomas McGovern. 
Tenth— A. C. Kugel. 
Eleventh — M. F. Funkhauser. 
Twelfth— Charles Davis. 



1911. 



Mayor — James C. Dahlman. 
President of Council — G. F. Brucker. 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Louis Berka. 

Second — Lee Bridges. 

Third — Louis Burmeister. 

Fourth — L. B. Johnson. 

Fifth— G. F. Brucker. 

Sixth— W. S. Sheldon. 
City Clerk— Dan Butler. 
Deputy — Thomas II. Dailey. 



Seventh— Fred Schroeder. 
Eighth — Joseph Hummel. 
Ninth — Thomas McGovern. 
Tenth— A. C. Kugel. 
Eleventh — ^L F. Funkhauser. 
Twelfth— Charles Davis. 



INIayor — James C. Dahlman. 
President of Council— Louis 
Members of Council — 

First Ward — Louis Berka. 

Second — Lee Bridges. 

Third — Louis Burmeister. 

Fourth — L. B. Johnson. 

Fifth— G. F. Brucker. 

Sixth— W. S. Sheldon. 
City Clerk— Dan B. Butler. 
Deputy — Thomas 11. Dailey 



1912. 
Berka. 



Seventh — Fred Schroeder. 
Eighth — Joseph B. Hummel. 
Ninth — Thomas ]\IcGovern. 
Tenth— A. C. Kugel. 
Eleventh — M. F. Funkhauser. 
Twelfth— Charles Davis. 



OMAHAMEM OKIES 119 

1913. 

Beginning of Commission Form of Government. 

Mayor — James C. Dahlman. 

President of Council — James C. Dahlman. 

Apportionment of Departments — 
Dan B. Butler, Supt. of Accounts and Finances. 
Jos. B. Hummel, Supt. of Parks and Boulevards. 
A. C. Kugel, Supt. Dept. Street Cleaning and Maintenance. 
John J. Ryder — Supt. Dept. Police, Sanitation and Public Safety. 
Ohas. H. Withnell — Supt. Dept. Fire Protection, Water Supply. 
James C. Dahlman — Supt. Dept. Public Affairs. 
Thos. McGovern — Supt. Street Improvements. 
City Clerk — Thomas J. Flynn. 
Deputy Clerk — H. M. Primeau. 

1914. 

Same as 1913 with the exception that Mr. Kugel and Mr. Ryder 
exchanged departments. 

City Clerk— Thos. J. Flynn. 
Deputy Clerk — H. M. Primeau. 

1915. 

President of Council — James C. Dahlman. 

Commissioners — 
Dan Butler — Supt. Dept. Accounts and Finances. 
Chas. "Withnell, Supt. Fire Protection and Water Supply. 
James C. Dahlman, Supt. Dept. Public Affairs. 
Jos. Hummel, Supt. Dept. Parks and Boulevards. 
W. S. Jardine, Supt. Dept. Public Improvements. 
J. C. Drexel, Supt. Street Cleaning and Maintenance. 
A. C. Kugel, Supt. Dept. Police, Sanitation and Public Safety. 
City Clerk — Thomas J. Flynn. 
Deputy Clerk — H. M. Primeau. 



120 OMAHAMEMORIES 

CHAPTER XLI. 
JUDGES OF THE DISTRICT COURT FROM 1879 TO 1916. 

James W. Savage. 

Judge Savage served as judge of the District Court from 
1879 to 1883. 

It was my pleasure and privilege to have known Judge 
Savage personally and intimately while on the bench and after 
his retirement, and of him I must say that I never knew a man 
possessed of more character than he. It made no difference to 
him what your station ; as long as you were an honest man 
you were welcome to his fatherly advice and a cheerful greeting. 

After his retirement from the bench I was instrumental in 
securing his nomination in 1883 for mayor of Omaha at the 
hands of a democratic convention. lie was defeated at the 
election by Champion S. Chase by the small majority of 151 
votes. He was also defeated in 1883 for supreme judge of this 
state. He died in 1888 beloved by all. In politics Judge Sav- 
age was a democrat. 

James W. Neville. 

Judge James "VY. Neville served as judge of the District 
Court from 1882 to 1888. It was not my pleasure to have known 
Judge Neville intimately, but I had ample opportunity of noting 
» his career during his long service on the bench, where he served 
with distinguished honor. He was a man with a good legal mind 
and of even, judicial temperament, and as a judge endeared him- 
self to all Avho knew him. The judge, prior to going upon the 
bench, served one term as United States district attorney for this 
state. He is still in the land of the living, touching elbows each 
day with the "old timers" and renewing new acquaintances, 
all of whom join in wishing him many years of enjoyment on 
this terrestrial globe. 

Eleazer Wakeley. 

Judge Eleazer Wakeley served as judge of the District Court 
from 1882 to 1892. I must say of Judge Wakeley, as I have said 
of Judge Savage, it was my pleasure to have known him inti- 
mately and well, and to knoAv him was but to love him. He was 
the soul of honor, a lawyer of the old school, who loved his 
profession and who would prefer death to casting reflection 
upon it. As a judge he seemed to have been born for the dis- 
charge of such duties as devolve upon the position. He was 



OMAHA MEMORIES 121 

cool, calm and deliberate, never deviating from a course and 
conclusion which sprang from mature conviction. He died in 
1912 at the ripe old age of 81 years, and dj'ing, went down to 
that earth from which he sprung — 

Wept, honored and sung, with a crowning glory of 
unsullied honor. 

Louis A. GrofF. 

Louis A. Grotf served as judge of the District Court from 
1887 to 1890, at which time he resigned, having been appointed 
by President Harrison to the office of commissioner of the United 
States land office. Judge Grotf was a quiet, unassuming man, 
and made an excellent judge. 

He presided on the criminal bench during the memorable 
trial of Mrs. Bechler, charged with having on November 20, 
1888, shot and killed Mr. King in the corridor of the Paxton 
Hotel. ^Ir. King was the son of JMr. King of the clothing firm 
of Browning-King. 

Having served four years as commissioner of the land office, 
he moved from Omaha to Los Angeles, California, where he now 
resides. 

M. R. Hopewell. 

M. R. Hopewell served as judge of the District Court from 
1887 to 1895. In appearance the judge would remind one of a 
retired country gentleman, an affable person, genial and com- 
panionable. He made an excellent judge, and after retiring from 
the bench was elected lieutenant governor of this state. He died 
in 1913. He resided at Tekamah in Burt County. 

George W. Doane. 

George W. Doane served as judge of the District Court from 
1887 to 1892. Judge Doane, like Wakeley, Savage and Neville, 
was a pioneer, having resided in the state for close to a half 
century. He M-as a very dignified man and carried himself with 
an air of military discipline. Yet he was one of the most affable 
of men, easy to approach, shook hands with a warm and genial 
impulse, ever ready to give counsel and advice to young men. 
Having met him when I was but a young man, I am in a position 
to know how generous he was with his advice to young men, 
as I feel to this day that I owe much to him for the fatherly 
advice which he so often gave me, and of which today I feel that 
I am the beneficiary. 

Judge Doane made a model judge. He died in 1912. He 
was one of God's noblemen, and I am sure that in God's book of 
golden deeds his name is written in large letters. 



122 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

Joseph R. Glarkson. 

Judge Joseph R. Clarkson served as judge of the District 
Court from the fall of 1889 to January 1, 1892. The Douglas 
CountA' Bar, having met in mass convention, indorsed him for 
the vacancy caused by reason of the resignation of Judge Groff. 

Having received the bar indorsement. Governor Thayer ap- 
pointed him to fill out the term until a judge could be elected 
at the fall election in 1889. 

The democratic judicial convention of that year nominated 
Judge Clarkson (though a republican) and he was elected over 
Herbert J. Davis, the nominee of the republican party; this 
after one of the most bitter campaigns ever waged for this office. 

Judge Clarkson served out his term and declined to run at 
the next regular convention. He made a splendid judge and 
should have remained on the bench. 

I have a warm spot in my heart for Judge Clarkson, as it 
was before him that I was admitted to the bar on January 9, 
1890. After his retirement from the bench he again became 
associated with his old law firm of Clarkson, Congdon & Hunt, 
and eventually left Omaha. His whereabouts I am unable to 
say. 

Herbert J. Davis. 

Herbert J. Davis served as judge of the District Court from 
1892 to 1893, after which time he left Omaha and went east. 
In 1898 he was, by President McKinley, tendered a place in the 
Philippine Islands as one of the judges of the Court of First 
Instance. Owing to ill health he declined the position. Judge 
Davis was an exceptionally bright lawyer and an all "round 
genteel gentleman. I had the pleasure of having been defeated 
by him for the school board in the spring of 1886, yet that never 
stood in the way of the warm friendship which existed betAveen 
us during our long acquaintanceship. 

Judge Davis was at one time associated with Judge AV. W. 
Keysor as law partner; afterwards with Henry D. Estabrook, 
now of New York and a candidate for president of the Ignited 
States subject to action of the republican convention of 1916. 

Judge Davis died about 1909. 

Frank S. Irvine. 

Frank S. Irvine served as judge of the District Court from 
3891 to 1893. ' . 

Judge Irvine had lived in Nebraska but a short time prior 
to his having been elected to the bench. He came here from 



OMAHA MEMORIES 123 

Ithaca, N. Y. After his retirement from the bench he was ap- 
pointed one of the commissioners of the Supreme Court of this 
state, after which time he accepted a position as professor in 
some department of the Cornell University, which position he 
was filling when I last heard of him. 



W. W. Keysor. 

W. AV. Kevsor served as judge of the District Court from 
1892 to 1902. 

Judge Keysor, at the time of his election, resided in Nebraska 
but a short time, but his pleasant disposition and manly conduct 
soon Avon for him a warm spot in the hearts of the people of 
this city and county. 

He was a slow, easy-going man, ever ready and willing to 
cheer and encourage the robust as well as the invalid, and while 
he made a good record as a judge, I have often thought that he 
would have made a great and good minister of the Gospel, as he 
possessed the essential requirements that go to make a model 
minister. 

After his retirement from the bench he moved to St. Louis, 
Mo., where he accepted a position as a professor in a law col- 
lege, which position, as I am informed, he still holds. 



Cunningham R. Scott. 

Cunningham R, Scott served as judge of the District Court 
from 1892 to 1899. 

' He was the product of A. P. A.ism, and when the air which 
they polluted became clarified, he ceased to breathe and died 
it is claimed a natural death in 1911, a lasting example to all 
bigots. 

Charles Ogden. 

Charles Ogden served as judge of the District Court from 
1892 to 1893, having been appointed by Governor Boyd to fill a 
vacancy. 

Judge Ogden came to Omaha in 1882 from Louisiana, was 
a staunch democrat and soon became very popular because of 
his political activity. He made a good, clean record during 
his term. Judge Ogden was a good lawyer, a graduate of one 
of the leading colleges of the south, and ranked high as a lin- 
guist. After his retirement from the bench he resumed the 
practice of the laAV. He died in 1908. 



12-^ O M A H A M E MO R I E S 



W. C. Walton. 

Judge Walton served as judge of the District Court from 
1893 to 1895. 

Of Judge Walton I knew very little, but from the courteous 
treatment which he gave to all who had business in his court, 
I am free to say that he made a very good judge. 

During the time he was on the bench he resided at Blair, 
where, I believe, he still resides. 

Edward R. Duffie. 

Edward R. Duffie served as judge of the District Court from 
1893 to 1896. I was intimately acquainted with Judge Duffie, 
probably more so than with some of the other judges who served 
on the bench, he being my neighbor for three years. 

I met the judge in 1886, shortly after he came to Nebraska 
from Iowa, when he formed a partnership with Luther R. Wi-ight, 
Avith offices on the northeast corner of Fourteenth and Douglas 
Streets. This partnership lasted but a short time, when he formed 
a partnership with Geo. W. Ambrose under the name of Ambrose 
& Duffi(^ M'ith offices in the old Union Block, known as the 
Wabash Corner, Fifteenth and Farnam Streets. 

Shortly after his retirement from the bench in 1896, he ran 
for congress on the democratic ticket, but was defeated by Dave 
Mercer. 

Judge Duffie resumed the practice of law after his retire- 
ment from the bench until appointed one of the commissioners of 
the Supreme Court of this state. While acting in such capacity, 
he became a candidate for Supreme Judge, but was defeated in 
the repul)lican state convention by a small majority. After retir- 
ing as commissioner he moved to some small town in the west- 
ern part of this state, where he remained biit a short time, mov- 
ing to Los Angeles, where in 1913 he died. 

Judge Duffie made a good judge, and was beloved by all who 
knew him. 

Georg-e W. Ambrose. 

George W. Ambrose served as judge of the District Court 
from January, 1894, to January 1, 1895. 

Judge Ambrose was one of Omaha's early settlers, and was 
ranked as a lawyer of unusual ability, who never sought office 
but Avas content in the practice of his profession. The short time 
he spent on the bench was the only office he had ever filled or 
ever sought. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 125 

His entire time on the bench was spent in the equity branch 
of the court, where he rendered many important decisions in 
matters involving the title to real estate. 

On his retirement from the bench he moved to Chicago in 
1897, and shortly thereafter died. 

Joseph H. Blair. 

Joseph H. Blair served as judge of the District Court from 
1894 to 1896. He came to Nebraska about the year 1889, during 
which time he practiced law until his elevation to the bench. 

He was an old fogy, in fact a dreamy old imbecile, who 
possessed no powers of precision or decision, who secured, as 
he himself had informed me, his nomination in a republican con- 
vention through the influence of the leaders of the A. P. A. 's 
and for a consideration of $500. One short term is all he served. 
He died soon thereafter. 

Clinton N. Powell. 

Clinton N. Powell served as judge of the District Court from 
1896 to 1899. 

Prior to his election to the bench he was a law partner of 
Wni. Gurley, and at the time of his election was attorney for 
the school board. 

He was a quiet, unassuming man, and mingled very little 
with the public. He made a good judge, and on his retirement 
moved to the southern part of this state, where about 1908 he died. 

Jacob L. Fawcett. 

Jacob L. Fawcett served as judge of the District Court from 
1896 to 1903. 

He was defeated for a third nomination by Judge W. A. 
Redick, after which he served for a number of years as Supreme 
Court commissioner of this state. He was in 1910 elected one of 
the judges of the Supreme Court of this state and is now serving 
in that capacity, his time expiring January, 1917. He will be 
a candidate for chief justice of the Supreme Court at the 1916 
primary. 

Judge Fawcett came to Omaha in 1887 from Galesburg, 
Illinois, and practiced his profession here until his election to 
the district bench. 

He served with distinction in the Union army during the 
rebellion. He now resides at Lincoln, Nebraska. He made a 
good record as district judge. 



126 OMAHAMEMORIES 

W. W. Slabauffh. 

W. W. Slabaugh served as judge of the District Court from 
1896 to 1904. 

Prior to his electiou to the bench he practiced la^y in Omaha 
and for some time was a law partner of S. R. Rush, during which 
time he was appointed deputy county attorney of Douglas County. 
While serving in that capacity he was elected to the district 
bench. 

Judge Slabaugh discharged the duties of this office without 
noise, ostentation or notoriety. 

On retiring from the bench, and after a period of two years, 
or in 1895, he was elected county attorney of Douglas County, 
serving one term, having been defeated by James P. English at 
the following electiou in 1897. 

As county attorney his administration proved a dismal fail- 
ure, after which he retired to private life to practice his pro- 
fession. 

Ben S. Baker. 

Ben S. Baker served as judge of the District Court from 
1896 to 1902, when he resigned to accept the position of United 
States judge for the territory of New Mexico, which was given 
him by President Roosevelt and which he occupied for some- 
thing like two years. 

"Whether he was removed from this position by the presi- 
dent or whether he tendered his resignation voluntarily, is a 
matter of dispute, and I am in no position to decide, but feel 
that he should have the benefit of the doubt, owing to the good 
record which he made upon the be:nch of this district, as well as 
the creditable record which he made during his term as United 
States district attorney for this state, and that of his record as 
a member of the legislature from Jeti'erson County in this state. 

Judge Baker is a man that has been much abused and mis- 
understood. This is due no doubt to the fact that he is a big- 
hearted man, full of combativeness and an exceptionally bright 
lawyer, ever ready and willing to lend a helping hand to the 
justly deserving, lu'oad-gauged in his views and always ready 
and willing to mingle with the plebeians. 

Judge Baker served three years as corporation counsel for 
the city of Omaha, resigning that position in December, 1914. 

He is now engaged in the active practice of the law in this 
citv. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 127 

Charles T. Dickenson. 

Charles T. Dickenson served as judge of the District Court 
from 1896 to 1904. 

Judge Dickenson during his term of judge resided in Teka- 
mah, Burt County. He should have been retained on the bench, 
as he was one of the most capable men that I ever knew on the 
bench. He was accommodating and courteous to all, and no 
doubt it was his honesty of purpose and his refusal to submit 
to the dictation of the mighty powers that prevented his renom- 
ination to that position. The decision in particular that sealed 
his judicial doom Avas the one in which he decided against the 
garbage contractors of Omaha. It appears that the garbage 
contractors had an exclusive contract with the city of Omaha to 
dispose of its garbage and for a period of twenty-five years. This 
contract was so strictly adhered to by the police that poor men 
who made a living by hauling garbage were arrested, fined and 
imprisoned, and no man dared move his own garbage. This mat- 
ter came up before Judge Dickenson on a writ of habeas corpus 
testing the constitutionality of the ordinance and the contract. 

The judge held that both the ordinance and the contract were 
unconstitutional and void. This ired the greedy monopolist and 
Judge Dickenson was marked for defeat, and his defeat for 
renomination was ably carried out by one of the most astute and 
unscrupulous politicians that ever gained a foothold on this side 
of hell. 

An appeal was taken in this ease to the Supreme Court of 
the state and Judge Dickenson was sustained. 

Judge Dickenson served as city prosecutor of the city of 
Omaha from May, 1909, to May, 1911, or for three years. 

He discharged the duties of that position with an efficiency 
that was never equalled or perhaps never will be. In fact he 
dignified the position, this with due respect to others who filled 
the position before or since. He is now practicing his profession 
in Omaha. 

Irving F. Baxter. 

Irving F. Baxter served as judge of the District Court from 
1900 to 1903. He resigned from this position to accept the office 
of United States district attorney for Nebraska, a position ten- 
dered him by President Roosevelt. 

Judge Baxter, however, served but a short time in the office, 
as he suddenly separated himself from it. either voluntarily or 
otherwise, I am unable to say. Suffice it to say that United 
States Senator Millard, who secured for him the place, was 
unable to convince the president that Judge Baxter was the 
man for the place, or that he should be permitted to serve out 



128 OMAHAMEMORIES 

his term. The result was that another was immediately ap- 
pointed as his successor. 

In many respects it might be said of Judge Baxter that he 
was born under a lucky star. While not having been born great, 
he had greatness thrust upon him. 

He came to Omaha, if I remember correctly, about the year 
1889 or 1890, Avitli a letter of introduction from United States 
Senator Hiscock of New York to General Charles F. Mander- 
son, who secured for him a place in the law firm of Green & 
Breckenridge of this city. 

It was but a short time when he was made attorney for the 
board of education of this city. He being an apt scholar, he 
soon learned the intricacies of politics and bloomed out for 
office, and the first opportunity was by him quickly embraced. 
It came about in this way: The bar of Douglas County was dis- 
satisfied with the administration of Judge Eller, then county 
judge, and called a bar meeting for the purpose of making a 
bar nomination for that office. Charles H. Green was made 
chairman of the meeting and George A. Day and myself were 
made tellers. Henry Morrow and Judge Baxter were the can- 
didates. Baxter won by a majority of one. 

Judge Baxter, though a republican, secured the democratic 
nomination and was indorsed by the citizens convention and was 
elected county judge. 

He soon forgot the democratic party and proclaimed him- 
self a full-fledged republican. By so doing, he filled the office 
for three consecutive terms. 

Having behind him all this time the influence and support 
of the B. & M. Eailroad, he experienced no trouble in securing 
the nomination for district judge, and was sailing with the gale 
at a rapid pace, when Roosevelt cut his jibboom and he heaved 
anchor. He is now practicing law in Omaha. 

Guy R. C. Read. 

Guy R. C. Read served as judge of the District Court from 
1903 to January 1, 1904. 

Mr. Read was a bar selection, the bar association having 
met in general mass meeting, selected him, he having no opposi- 
tion in the meeting. 

The governor, acting upon the wisdom of the bar associa- 
tion, appointed him to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna- 
tion of Judge Irving Baxter. Judge Read during his term was 
on the equity bench, and gave universal satisfaction. He is 
now practicing law in Omaha. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 129 

\ 

George A. Day. 

George A. Day, one of the present judges of the District 
Court, was appointed by Governor Savage in 1903 to fill a 
vacancy on the bench, since which time Judge Day has con- 
tinued to serve by reason of repeated elections. 

He was born in Iowa in 1859 and came to Omaha in 1883, 
shortly afterwards forming a partnership with W. A. Stow, which 
law firm was known as Stow & Day. 

Mr. Stow having died in 1885, the firm name was changed 
to Day & Day, George A. and Curtis L. Day, brothers. This co- 
partnership continued until 1895, when George A. was appointed 
deputy attorney general of this state. In 1901 he was appointed 
one of the commissioners of the Supreme Court of this state, 
Avhich position he resigned to accept the appointment to the 
position which he now holds and will continue to hold, at least 
until his term expires in January, 1917. 

Judge Day comes from a family of lawyers, his father hav- 
ing served for a number of years as chief justice of the state 
of Iowa, and was such at the time of his death. 

He is one of the most accommodating and obliging public 
officials that I have ever met. He is honest and conscientious, 
and has long held the respect and good-will of all who know 
him. He is again a candidate for re-election. 

A. C. Troup. \ 

A. C. Troup, one of the present judges of the District Court, 
began his service on the bench in 1904, and has remained in 
that position by continuous re-elections. 

Prior to his election as district judge, he served as deputy 
county attorney of Douglas County for two years. 

While acting in that capacity he made an enviable record, 
so much so that he immediately sprang into the limelight of 
prominence, which won for him with little or no effort on his 
part the nomination for district judge. How well he has dis- 
charged the duties of the office is attested by the fact that he 
has been repeatedly elected to that position. 

Judge Troup was born at Saratoga, N. Y., of Scotch par- 
entage in 1854 and spent his youth in northeastern Ohio, coming 
to Nebraska in 1873. He studied law at the University of Iowa, 
where he graduated in 1879. He served one term as a member 
of the Nebraska legislature in the session of 1885, where he 
served as chairman of the judiciary comuiittee. He made an 
excellent record in that session. 



130 OMAHAMEMORIES 

He came to Omaha in 1879, where he practiced law until 
his election to the bench. 

He is a candidate to succeed himself at the election in 1916. 

E. M. Bartlett. 

E. M. Bartlett served as judge of the District Court from 
1893 to 1894. He was appointed by the governor to fill the 
vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Ben S. Baker. 

At the end of his term he sought re-election, but was 
defeated at the primaries, after which he moved to Kansas City, 
Mo., where he is now engaged in the practice of law. 

Howard Kennedy. 

Howard Kennedy served as judge of the District Court 
from 1904 to 1913, when he resigned to accept an appointment 
on the board of public institutions of this state, the appointment 
being made by Governor Moorhead. 

Judge Kennedy is an Omaha boy, having been born and 
raised in Omaha, and the only graduate of the Omaha High 
School to fill the position of judge of the District Court with 
one exception, that of Judge W. A. Redick. His family was one 
of the early settlers of Omaha, and for a number of years his 
father was connected with the Omaha schools, where in turn 
the judge's brother, Alfred, Avas a member of the school board, 
filling the position at the time of his death in 1915. Howard 
Kennedy School in Omaha was named after the father of Judge 
Kennedy. Judge Kennedy made a good, clean record while 
judge of the District Court and his resignation was much re- 
gretted by all who knew him. He is now serving in the capacity 
to which he was appointed. 

A. L. Sutton. 

Abraham L. Sutton served as judge of the District Court 
from 1904 to February, 1915, when he resigned to resume the 
practice of the law. 

Judge Sutton was born in Oregon, Wisconsin, in 1866, where 
he studied law and was admitted to the bar. Coming to Ne- 
braska in 1887 when but a young man, locating on a homestead 
in Brown County, Nebraska. Whether by reason of a sudden 
flash of prosperity or adverse climatic conditions, I do not know 
(but I am inclined to believe the latter) he left Brown County 
in 1898 and located in South Omaha. 

There he began the practice of law, where he encountered 
the usual struggle of the poor young lawyer and a stranger in 



4 



OMAHAMEMORIES 131 

a strange town ; yet undismayed he buckled on his armor, con- 
fident of his own strong will and his integrity of purpose, and 
he secured not only clients, but gained the confidence and appre- 
ciation of the people of his city. 

Judge Sutton prior to his election to the bench, filled by 
appointment a vacancy on the board of county commissioners 
of this county. He is a man of unusually good judgment, which 
qualification he displaj^ed so conspicuousl}^ while discharging the 
duties of the office of district judge, and his big heart was ever 
ready to hear and relieve the troubles of the widow and the 
orphan in distress. 

To his efforts in a great measure is due the passage of legis- 
lation beneficial to both mothers and minors, among which may 
be cited "the law governing wife abandonment and wife deser- 
tion, the juvenile court law, also the mothers' pension act." 

The judge was never held in high estimation by the cor- 
porations or by lawyers who sought the ways that were dark 
or the tricks that were vain. 

During his term as judge he sought the office of congress- 
man from this district in 1910, having secured the nomination 
with ease. 

At the election he ran some 5,000 votes ahead of his ticket 
but was defeated by less than 100 votes, James C. Dahlman hav- 
ing carried the county on the democratic ticket by 12,000 ma- 
jority for governor. 

He gained world-wide fame as the trial judge in the famous 
Pat Crowe kidnaping case, where Crowe was charged with kid- 
naping the son of the millionaire packer, Edward Cudahy. 

In the fall of this year (3915) he filed for the nomination 
of governor of this state subject to the republican primarv of 
April, 1916. 

Willis G. Sears. 

Willis G'. Sears is one of the present judges of the District 
Court, commencing his term in 1904 and having been re-elected 
at each succeeding election thereafter, his term expiring Janu- 
ary 1, 1917. 

Judge Sears was born in Ohio August 16, 1860; came to 
Nebraska June 29, 1879, locating at Decatur, Nebraska; was 
admitted to the bar in 1884 before Judge E. Wakeley. Served 
two terms in the Nebraska legislature ; was speaker of the house 
in the ses.sion of 1901 ; served nine years as mayor of Tekamah, 
Nebraska, 1889-1901; served nine years on the board of insanity 
of Burt Countv. 



132 OMAHA MEMORIES 

To know Judge Sears is to like him, though at first sight 
and on slight acquaintance he would appear to be a mysterious 
person ; a tall, lean, rawboned man, apparently sullen and gruff, 
possessing an unusually bright, clear, judicial mind, capable of 
grasping the most intricate and complicated legal problems; 
an interesting conversationalist and, on appropriate occasions, 
one of the most jovial and companionable of men I ever met. 
Had Judge Sears broken his word he could have been elected 
United States senator from this state. Judge Sears has made a 
good record on the bench, having at one time or another filled 
all of the assigned dockets — law, euqity, criminal and juvenile. 
He is a member of the Masonic Order, the Red Men and Ancient 
Order of United Workmen. He is a candidate to succeed him- 
self at the election in 1916. 

Wm. A. Redick. 

William A. Redick served as judge of the District Court 
from 1904 to 1911, having served two consecutive terms, and 
having been defeated for renomination in his effort to secure 
a third term. 

In February, 1915, he was appointed judge to fill the vacancy 
caused by the resignation of Judge A. L. Sutton. This appoint- 
ment he received from Governor John H. Moorhead. He is one 
of the present judges, his term expiring January 1, 1917. 

Judge Redick is a native son of Nebraska, having been born 
in Omaha in 1859, having received his early education in the 
Omaha grade schools and the Omaha High School, after which 
he entered the law office of his father. Judge John \. Redick. 

Judge Redick came of an old and honored family of Omaha 
pioneers, his father, John I. Redick, having settled in Omaha 
about 1856, where he raised a large and creditable family, of 
which three were lawyers— William, Charles and Chat. The father 
of Judge Redick was appointed territorial judge of New Mexico 
in 1875 by President Grant, during which time the family resided 
in Denver, Colo. Aside from those few years, in addition to the 
years 1887-8, when the judge moved to Los Angeles, California, 
he has resided in Omaha continuously all his life. 

The Redick family having grown exceptionally wealthy, 
there is a mistaken idea on the part of many people that Judge 
Redick is autocratic and aristocratic. 

This is a mistaken idea, and far from the real facts, as after 
an acquaintanceship of more than thirty years which I have had 
the pleasure of enjoying, I can most emphatically refute such 
an impression or imputation. He is on the contrary an affable, 
genial and companionable gentlemen, ever ready with heart and 
hand to assist the deserving. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 133 

His decisions have been logical, fearless and conscientiously 
arrived at, regardless of his political future, fearing neither 
prince or pauper, ward boss or corporation. He is a candidate 
to succeed himself at the 1916 election. 

Charles Leslie. 

Judge Charles Leslie Avas elected to the district bench in 
1911, and is at present one of the presiding judges thereof, his 
term expiring January 1, 1917. 

Judge Leslie Avas born in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, Sep- 
tember 24, 1867, and came to Omaha in 1893, entering the law- 
office of Jacob L. Fawcett, now on the supreme bench of this 
state, where he engaged in the practice of law until he entered 
the office of County Judge Vinsonhaler in the capacity of clerk 
of the County Court of Douglas County, where he remained for 
six years. At the end of Judge Vinsonhaler 's term as county 
judge he was elected his successor, which position he filled for six 
years, from which he was in 1911 elevated to the district bench. 

Judge Leslie is' a mild mannered, pleasant and unassuming 
gentleman, who bears lightly all the honors bestowed upon him 
and never has abused the powers vested in him. 

While possibly not as well versed in the law as his associates 
on the bench, yet he possesses that which often takes the place 
of legal lore, the gift of common sense properly applied, which 
in the majority of cases will have attained the ends of justice 
equally as well. This has been fully illustrated in his case, as 
he has grown to be one of the most popular judges on the bench. 

He is a candidate to succeed himself at the 1916 election. 

James P. English. 

Judge James P. English is one of the present presiding 
judges of the District Court, having been appointed to that posi- 
tion by Governor J. H. Moorhead in June, 1913, to fill the 
vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Howard Kennedy. 
At the general election in 1914 he was elected to the full term 
which ends January, 1917. 

He is a candidate to succeed himself at the 1916 election. 

Judge English was born in Wisconsin September 12, 1859, 
and came to Omaha in 1880, after graduating from a law college 
at Kenosha, Wisconsin. 

After his arrival in Omaha he entered the law office of 
Judge J. M. Woolworth, where he remained until he entered 
the law firm of Hall & McCullough, which firm was afterward 



134 OMAHAMEMORIES 

known as Hall, McCullough & English, with offices in the old 
Omaha National Bank building. In 1902 he severed his con- 
nection with this firm, having been elected county attorney of 
Douglas county, serving until 1904, when he was defeated for 
re-election by Judge Slabaugh. In 1906 he was again elected 
county attorney, serving repeated and consecutive terras to 1912, 
when he became a private citizen by and through his own con- 
sent. He practiced law during that period of time, when he was 
again called to duty by his appointment to the district judgeship. 

Judge English is a brother of Rev. Father English, formerly 
parish priest of St. Philomena's Cathedral when it w^as located 
on Ninth and Howard Streets for a number of years. 

He is exceptionally popular with all classes, made a splendid 
record as county attorney and is making a like record as a dis- 
trict judge. He is an able lawyer and exceptionally good-natured 
at all times and under all circumstances, and is ever ready to 
accommodate both lawyers and litigants in and out of season. 

Judge English has the record of having the largest family 
of any man on the bench, being the father of twelve children, all 
living but one. 

Lee S^. Estelle. 

Judge Lee S. Estelle served his first term as district judge 
from 1891 to 1892, filling a vacancy caused by the resigna- 
tion of Judge Groff, the appointment being made by Governor 
Boyd. 

He was elected to that office in 1899, and has remained on the 
bench since his first election. He is one of the present judges 
whose terms expire in January, 1917, 

Judge Estelle has served longer on the bench than any other 
judge in the history of this judicial district. He is a candidate 
to succeed himself at the 1916 primary. 

Lee S. Estelle "was born at Madisonville, Hamilton County, 
Ohio, December 25, 1847, came to Nebraska in 1873, locating at 
Red Cloud. He entered the Union army when but a boy six- 
teen years of age and served during the entire rebellion. Before 
being admitted to the bar he was for a few years in the employ 
of the government as mail agent. 

In 1883 he located at Blair, Neb., where he opened a law 
office and engaged in the practice at that place until 1885, when 
he was elected district attorney for this judicial district, after 
which he located in Omaha. 

The report of the district convention in which he secured 
his nomination against his opponent, Henry D. Estabrook, and 
other incidents of his campaign for the office of district attorney 
will be found in these Recollections of the events of 1884. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 135 



Judge Estelle is an able criminal lawyer, in fact, an all-round 
good lawyer; is of an even, judicial temperament, very accom- 
modating, independent and impartial in his judicial demeanor, 
-jovial affable and an all-round genial and companionable gen- 
tleman, and has made an exceptionally good record as district 
judge. 



136 OMAHAMEMORIES 



CHAPTER XLII. 

COUNTY OFFICIALS. 

The following named men have served as county attorneys of 
Douglas County from 1879 to 1917 : 

N,. J. Burnham 1880-1882 — District Attorney. .Republican 

Park Godwin 1882-1884 — District Attorney. .Democrat 

Lee Estelle 1884-1886 — District Attorney. .Republican 

Ed W. Simeral 1886-1888— County Attorney. .Republican 

T. J. Mahoney 1888-1892— County Attorney. .Democrat 

J. L. Kaley 1892-1894— County Attorney. .Republican 

Howard H. Baldrige. .1894-1898 — County Attorney. .Republican 

George W. Shields 1898-1902— County Attorney. .Democrat 

James P. English 1902-1904 — County Attorney. .Democrat 

W. W. Slabaugh 1904-1906— County Attorney. .Republican 

James P. English 1906-1912 — County Attorney. .Democrat 

George Maguey 1912-1916 — County Attorney. .Democrat 

Present incumbent. 

The following named men have served as county clerks of Doug- 
las County from 1879 to 1917: 

John R. Manchester 1880-1881 Republican 

John Baumer 1882-1883 Republican 

H. T. Leavit 1884-1885 Republican 

Gustav Beneke 1885 [by appointment] .Democrat 

C. P. Needham 1886-1887 Republican 

M. D. Roche 1888-1889 Democrat 

Pete O'Mallev 1890-1891 Democrat 

Fred J. Sackett 1892-1894 Republican 

M. H. Redfield 1896-1897 Republican 

David M. Haverly 1898-1900 Republican 

Harry C. Miller 1902-1903 Democrat 

John C. Drexel 1904-1905 Democrat 

David M. Haverly 1906-1911 Republican 

Frank Dewey 1912-1916 Republican 

Present incumbent. 

The men who have served as clerks of the District Court of Doug- 
las County from 1879 to 1917 are as follows : 

Wm. J. Ijams* 1880-1888 Democrat 

Frank E. Moores 1888-1896 Republican 

Albian Frank 1896-1900 Republican 

Frank Broadwell 1900-1908 Democrat 

Robert Smith 1908-1916 Republican 

Present incumbent. 

*By appointment for one year by Judge Savage. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 137 

The following named men have served as county judges of Doug- 
las County from 1879 to 1917: 

A. M. Chadwick 1880-1883 [died in office] .Republican 

J. H. McCullough 1883-1887 Republican 

Geo. W. Shields 1882-1892 Democrat 

J. W. Eller 1893-1895 Republican 

Irving F. Baxter 1896-1902 Republican 

D. M. Vinsonhaler 1903-1909 Republican 

Charles Leslie 1910-1912 Republican 

Bryce Crawford 1912-1916 .Republican 

Present incumbent. 

The men who have served as Douglas County treasurers from 
1879 to 1917 are as follows: 

Wm. Heintze 1880-1881 \ .Republican 

John Rush 1882-1885 Republican 

Henry Bolln 1886-1889 Republican 

Adam Snyder. 1890-1891 Democrat 

H. B. Trey 1892-1895 Republican 

George Heimrod 1896-1899 Republican 

G. Fred Elsasser 1900-1903 Democrat 

Robert Fink 1904-1907 Republican 

Frank A. Furey 1908-1911 .Republican 

Wm. G. Ure 1912-1916 .Republican 

Present incumbent. 

The following named men have served as sheriffs of Douglas 
County from 1879 to 1917 : 

George H. Guy 1879-1880 Democrat 

David N. Miller 1881-1884 Republican 

Wm. Coburn 1885-1889 ; . .Republican 

John F. Boyd 1890-1891 Democrat 

George A. Bennett 1892-1893 Republican 

John C. Drexel 1894-1895 Democrat 

John McDonald 1896-1899 Republican 

John Powers 1900-1905 Democrat 

John McDonald 1906-1907 Republican 

Edwin Brailey 1908-1911 Republican 

F. J. McShane 1912-1916 Democrat 

Present incumbent. 



138 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



County Commissioners. 

The following have served as county commissioners of Douglas 
County from 1879 to 1917 : 



Fred Drexel 
Wm. Turner 
A. L». Sutton 
L. M. Anderson 
Major Paddock 
Peter Corrigan 
J. P. Connolly 
Charles L. Van Camp 
Richard O'Keefe 
Tom Hoctor 
W. I. Kierstead 



George Tinne 
G. A. Williams 
Henry Ostrum 
Wm. Knight 
Peter Hofelt 
John Jenkins 
Wm. G. Ure 
F. W. Corliss 
James McArdle 
A. M. Steinburg 
Jeff W. Bedford 



and the present incumbents: 
John Lynch Henry McDonald 

Tom O'Connor Frank C. Best 

Gus Harts 



The following county recorders of deeds have served as such 

from the creation of the office in 1888 to 1917: ~ 
Charles P. Needhani Harry P. Deuel 

T. A. Megeath Frank W. Bandle 

Peter E. Elsasser Harry Pierce 

Present incumbent. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 139 



CHAPTER XLIII. 
POLICE JUDGES. 

Patrick 0. Hawes was police judge when I came to Omaha 
in 1880. He was somewhat of a unique character and withal 
a genial and companionable man ; a neat, tidy and tasty dresser, 
always wearing a silk vest and white, stiff-bosom shirt. The 
last ten years of his life I learned to know him very well, and 
whether in public or private life I can say that if he was your 
friend he was truly loyal, and as an enemy he was equally bit- 
ter. It was no unusual thing for him to fine a prisoner while 
sitting at a beer table, on the statement of a friend who related 
the facts to him, sticking the fine in one pocket and the costs 
in the other. The fines at that time went to the state and the 
costs in payment of his salary. He was defeated for re-election 
by Gustav Beneke, a democrat, in 1882. He died in 1904. leaving 
a wife and no children. 

Gustave Beneke succeeded Pat Hawes at the city election 
in the spring of 1882. He was engaged in the insurance busi- 
ness at the time of his election and, while a genial and popular, 
heavy-set German, he possessed no special (pialifications for the 
position, yet he managed to discharge the duties of his office 
to the satisfaction of the general public. He served but one 
term, declining a second nomination. To him belongs the honor 
of being the only democrat to hold this office from 1880 to 
this writing. 

A. M. Stenburg was at the time of his election as successor 
to Judge Beneke in 1885 a justice of the peace from the First 
ward of Omaha. In addition to that he was agent for steam- 
ship companies, with offices at Tenth and Jackson Streets. Judge 
Stenburg 's conduct of his new office was characterized by the 
use of good horse sense in the solution of the many vexing prob- 
lems that came before him. It was during his term that the 
agitation for the Sunday closing of saloons came up, this sub- 
ject being strenuously advocated by George L. Miller, editor 
of the Omaha Herald, and Ed. Rosewater, editor of the Bee, 
the police judge being made the butt of their attacks. Numerous 
arrests were made, but all demanded and Avere given jury trials, 
resulting invariably in acquittal, which judgments did not sat- 
isfy the two editors. To show these two gentlemen that he was 
doing his duty he selected a jury on which were both of the 
kicking editors, Miller and Rosewater. This was one of the 
plainest cases of a violation of the law. The jury deliberated 
for more than six hours and returned with a verdict of "not 
guilty," which satisfied both editors, and no further howl from 



140 OMAHAMEMORIES 

them Avas ever heard, and Judge Steiiburg finished the balance 
of his term in pursuing the even tenor of his way. He did not 
seek renomination, but afterwards served two terms as county 
commissioner of Douglas County. He was born in Sweden and 
was a credit to his race. He died in 1912. 

Louis Berka succeeded Judge Stenburg at the city election 
in May, 1907. Before his election as police judge he was justice 
of the peace, having held the office for two years, being elected 
from the First and Second Avards of Omaha, Avith offices in the 
Cunningham Block, Thirteenth and Jackson Streets. The city 
elections Avere, by an act of the legislature, changed from May 
to December, thus leaving Judge Berka nearlj^ three years in 
one term, retiring in Januarj^ 1890, and not being a candidate 
for second term. He Avas succeeded by Lee Helsley. 

Judge Lee Helsley, Avho took his seat as police judge Janu- 
ary 1, 1890, Avas, before his election, a ncAvspaper reporter on 
the Omaha Republican, and prior to that time Avas a justice of 
the peace from the Third Avard of Omaha, ha\'ing held his office 
in the old Karbach Block on Fifteenth and Douglas Streets. 
While police judge he Avas unfortunate in haA'ing to render a 
decision in a case of assault and battery, Avhich Avas the outcome 
of a religious feud then existing in Douglas County. It appears 
that on October 20, 1891, the American Protective Association, 
an anti-Catholic organization, had held a meeting in Garfield 
Hall, 1515 Howard Street. After adjournment one Jim Murphy, 
a SAvitehman, made an assault on John N. Westburg, a member 
of the organization and one of the croAvd. A complaint Avas 
filed against Murphy in the police court, charging him Avith dis- 
turbing the peace by fighting. The contention raised by his 
counsel, M. V. Gannon, Avas that there Avas no fight, as Westburg 
ottered no resistance. Judge Helseley so held and discharged 
the prisoner. It Avas an indiscrete and unpopular decision, hoAV- 
ever just, and caused the judge's defeat in the republican con- 
vention held a fcAV days thereafter. He Avas an honest and con- 
scientious judge and used much precision in his dealings Avith 
the unfortunates Avho came before his tribunal of justice. The 
defeat Avhich he sustained in that convention almost broke his 
heart, he being little or no good for any calling thereafter, and 
died August 14, 1906. I Avas one of the pallbearers at his funeral. 

Following Judge Helsley as police judge came Judge Berka, 
AA^ho defeated Helsley in the republican convention. He took his 
seat January 1, 1892, and served tAvo consecutive terms, or until 
January 1, 1896. 

FolloAving Judge Berka came Samuel I. Gordon, Avho on 
January 1, 1896, took his office as police judge. The legislature 
of 1897, having revised the city charter, caused the election to 



OMAHA MEMORIES 141 

be held in May instead of December, as was the law prior 
thereto. Judge Gordon, having received the republican nomina- 
tion, was again elected, and served through a stormy period, as 
well as one of much strenuous effort, this being the year in which 
the Trans-Mississippi Exposition was held in Omaha. The police 
and Judge Gordon became at loggerheads, the police contending 
that the judge 'W'as too lenient toward those who were brought 
before him. This contention on the part of the police, coupled 
with the then mayor, Frank E. Moores' ambition to run at his 
will every department of the city, caused the police to treat 
the police judge with utter contempt. This was continued until 
January, 1899, when the city council, under the direction of 
Mayor Moores and City Attorney W. J. Connell, filed charges 
against Judge Gordons. A mock trial was given him and his 
seat was declared vacant. He appealed to the District Court 
and the trial judge, Ben S. Baker, sustained the action of the 
city council as per agreement, he holding that it was not within 
the province of a police judge to suspend sentences when once 
imposed— a rank and raw decision. On appeal, however, to 
the Supreme Court, Judge Gordon was sustained and reinstated. 
While being deprived of his office the position was filled by 
the mayor appointing Wm. R. Learn, a justice of the peace, to 
fill the vacancy ad interim, but before Judge Gordon returned 
Acting Judge Learn on March 4, 1899, on stepping from the 
bench, keeled over. I caught him in my arms as he was falling. 
He expired in less than one minute. Heart failure was the cause 
of his death. Judge Gordon resumed his seat on the bench and 
served out his term. In May, 1900, the republican convention, 
through the scheming of Frank E. Moores, defeated him for 
renomination, and in his place nominated B. F. Thomas. Feeling 
that a grave injustice had been done the old veteran, I secured 
his nomination in the county populist convention, and appeared 
before the democratic convention, then in session, and there 
secured his indorsement at their hands. The election being held. 
Judge Gordon was triumphantly elected and served his two 
years' term. 

In November, 1901, Judge Berka was again the nominee of 
the county republican convention and was elected, defeating 
Judge Gordon, who was the democratic nominee. Judge Berka, 
succeeding himself, served until his term expired, January 1, 
1906. On the completion of his last term as police judge, he 
had served in that capacity to within a few months of eleven 
years — not consecutively, but as a whole — and of his administra- 
tion it must be said that it was characterized by good judgment, 
honesty and efficiency, He had a judicial mind and tempera- 
ment, such as justly befits a man for police judge of a large 
western city. He carried no prejudices and displayed no favor- 
itism — all races, colors and creeds looked alike to him. I tried 



142 OMAHA MEMORIES 

mau}^ cases before him, and one of the means I had of knowing 
in advance what his decision would be was by the manner in 
which he would revolve a paper weight on his desk. If it re- 
volved rapidly, my client was guilty; if otherwise, he was dis- 
charged. After leaving the bench he served one term of three 
years in the Omaha city council. In this connection it might 
be well to state that the office of police judge having in the 
Gordon case been declared a constitutional office, the election 
for that office was changed from a city to a state or county 
election. 

On January 1, 1906, Bryce Crawford took his seat as police 
judge. He had prior to that been twice elected justice of the 
peace, a position which he resigned to practice law. He served 
three terms as police judge. In his candidacy for his last term 
in 1909 I was defeated by him at the primary for that office. 
Of Judge Crawford it can be truthfully said that if ever a man 
was intended by nature for a judicial position it was he. With- 
out noise, ostentation or display, he discharged the duties of 
his office to the satisfaction of the general public. Since retir- 
ing from that office he has twice been elected countj^ judge of 
Douglas County, a position which he holds at present, the duties 
of which he has discharged to the satisfaction of the general 
public. He is a candidate to succeed himself in 1916. 

On Jnuary 1, 1912, Charles E. Foster took his seat as police 
judge, having defeated John J. Mahoney, the democratic nomi- 
nee. Before his election Mr. Foster had at one time served as 
deputy county attorney of Douglas County. He was the choice 
and selection of Tom Dennison and Victor Rosewater, editor of 
the Omaha Bee. This selection was made on the pretense that 
Mn. Foster, being a member of the Y. M. C. A., they could easily 
secure for him the church vote, feeling that they had a cinch 
on the rough element. However, he was not long police judge 
when he began to assert his independence, and a mighty howl 
went up from his sponsors, and his official life was made a tor- 
ment by and through the officials of the police department. As 
in the case of Judge Gordon, his was a "rocky road." In the 
fall of 1914 he was again nominated and elected, after one of 
the hardest fights ever made by any candidate for office, defeat- 
ing R. W. Madden, the democratic candidate. For the second 
time he filled this office, his term expiring in January, 1917. 
That Judge Foster is an honest and conscientious man no one 
will deny; that he intends to do what is right is generally con- 
ceded, but having mingled with the better element all his life, 
coupled Avith the fact that his health was poor, prevented him 
from possessing that broadness of mind and even temperament 
so essential to one filling the position of police magistrate of 
such a large city where so much misery is daily brought before 



OMAHAMEMORIES 143 



him. It may be possible for him to change his disposition before 
his term of office expires, but up to the present time he is far 
below the standard of some previous police judges. Were it 
not for the pardoning power exercised by the mayor his lack of 
judgment would cost the taxpayers many thousands of dollars 
and much needless suffering to the wives and families of men 
upon whom he imposes needless sentences. 



144 OMAHAMEMORIES 



CHAPTER XLIV. 
OMAHA STREETS. 

Having given my recollections of many of the incidents and 
occurrences that have taken place during the past thirty-six 
years in Omaha, more particularly the political events, which, in 
my judgment, form the greatest factor in the upbuilding of a 
nation, state, county or city, I will now note a few of the many 
changes that have taken place in our business and residence 
streets during that period of time. This for the benefit of the 
younger generation that has grown up here, for those who are 
absent as well as the newcomer. In doing this, I will confine 
myself to the downtown streets, namely: Leavenworth, Jones, 
Jackson, Howard, Harney, Farnam, Douglas, Dodge, Capitol 
Avenue. 

Leavenworth Street. 

To those who do not know how LeavenAvorth Street got its 
name, will state that it acquired it because it was the old road 
over which the pioneer freight haulers passed going west from 
Leavenworth, Kansas. Like many of our streets, it Avas never 
thought of as becoming a business street, and as a matter of 
fact there was but one business house on the entire street when 
I came to Omaha. That was a two-story brick building on the 
corner of Eighth Street, used at that time and for years after- 
ward as a grocery store, run by Hendricksen and Ben Madsen, 
in 1880. The Southern Hotel, a very pretentious frame build- 
ing stood on the corner of Ninth and this street, and was in the 
early 80 's a very fashionable hotel. It was owned by Mrs. Mc- 
Carthy, mother of Miss McCarthy who was at one time principal 
of the Pacific Street School. At this writing that building is 
still standing and is owned and occupied by the Schlitz Brewing 
Company, which bought it in 1892 for $12,000. The next busi- 
ness block built on that street was in 1884, by the Moline Plow 
Company, at 822 Leavenworth Street. A part of the lot on 
which it is located was owned by Mike Hurt, an old German, who 
lived there for years and was night watchman at the Union 
Pacific freight house. The next business house erected was by 
the John Deere Plow Company in 1885 on the northwest cor- 
ner of Ninth Street, and was owned by Aleck McGavick. Then 
came the William M. Bushman storehouse at No. 1013, which 
was erected about 1883 and at that time was the largest and 
most spacious building used for that purpose. About the year 
1885 W. A. L. Gibbon and James Eddy erected the brick build- 
ing at No. 1215, on that street, where they conducted a whole- 
sale hardware store until 1888, at which time Mr. Eddy died 



OMAHAMEMORIES 145 

and the business was discontinued, and since then Wagner Bros, 
have occupied it as an implement house. At No. 1307 the Pabst 
Brewing Company constructed their brick building and still oc- 
cupy it as a storehouse and distributing point for Nebraska. In 
1891 the Booth Oyster Company erected its present storehouse 
at No, 1308. Prior to its construction there were for years a 
number of small frame buildings on the lot. The old two-story 
brick building on the northwest corner, known as the Ainscow 
Block, was built in 1885 by Ed Ainscow from the brick of which 
the old Douglas County Court House, on Sixteenth and Farnam 
Streets, was built. The Gund Brewing Company now occupies 
the northeast corner of Fourteenth Street. It is a one-story 
brick, running the entire length of the lot, was erected in 1906 
and is used as the distributing point for that company for Iowa 
and Nebraska. The lot was purchased from the heirs of Jerry 
Mahoney, an old resident of this city. The Eggerss-0 'Flyng 
Company brick building at Fifteenth and Leavenworth Streets 
was erected in 1906. This is one of the largest box factories west 
of Chicago. The Bingham block on Seventeenth Street is a 
large three-story brick flat and was erected in 1885. It was 
built by Robert Bingham, father of W. W. Bingham, who was 
an old resident of Omaha and for many years engaged in the 
commission business. The two-story brick on the southeast cor- 
ner of Twentieth Street was built by John F. Belim, an old resi- 
dent here and former member of the city council. It was built 
about 1886. The brick buildings on the lot from Twenty-third 
to Twenty-fourth Streets on the south side of the street were 
erected about 1886. The lot was formerly owned by Mrs. Patrick 
Toner, on which she lived for many years. The brick building 
on the southeast corner of Park Avenue was erected in 1890 
by John O'Keefe a former railroad contractor. The mortgage 
on the property was foreclosed in 1897, when he lost the place. 
In this connection, it might be well to state that this street in 
1885 underwent a heavy change of grade, from Sixteenth to 
Thirty-sixth Streets, where in places a change from ten to 
twenty feet was made. This was brought about through the 
efforts of Michael Lee, then a member of the Omaha city council. 

Jones Streetw 

Jones Street was named after Omaha's first postmaster, the 
man of whom it is said "carried all of the town's mail in his 
hat." He also laid out the city in its first plat. This street in 
1880 fronted residences large and small, from the Missouri 
River to Sixteenth Street. The first enterprise was that of the 
Omaha Electric Light Plant on Sixth Street, erected in 1889. 
If I am not mistaken, Fred Drexel's stone yard and John 
Powers' cooper shop preceded this. On Seventh Street there 
was Benson's iqe house, also that of the Arctic Ice Company. 



146 OMAHA MEMORIES 

The latter places have been supplanted by larger and more sub- 
stantial warehouses. The first substantial buildings to be 
erected on this street were those of Parliu, Orendorff & 
Martin, at No. 908, used as an implement house. Adjoining this 
was a wholesale seed house. This concern, if I recall it cor- 
rectly, failed in 189-4 through some disagreement with J. Ster- 
ling Morton, then secretary of agriculture, who withdrew the 
patronage of the government from the house. Paxton & Galla- 
gher erected a large building adjoining this one on the west in 
1892. 

On the south side of this street, at No. 1011, G. A. Lind- 
quest erected a five-story brick warehouse in 1886. This was 
about completed when it was blown down by a heavy wind. 
Further west, where the Bemis factory is located, on the north 
side of the street, Nos. 1008-10-12, were a number of small cot- 
tages, erected about 1883, when the old creek bed was filled. 
At No. 1209 John Mulvahill erected a five-story brick ware- 
house in 1887. There were originally a number of small cot- 
tages on this lot. Where the Anheuser-Busch building now 
stands there was an old boarding house, run and owned by a 
Mrs. 'Grady, at No. 1219. 

On the north side between Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets, 
Patrick Quinlan resided in a nice cottage. On this ground now 
stands a warehouse. In the middle of the block was Haarman's 
old pickle factor}' and the residence of Stacy Crowley, once 
teacher at the Omaha High School, now teaching in Chicago. 
Miss Crowley was born here. Charles Westergaard, the ex- 
pressman, lived adjoining her for a number of years until about 
1887. At No. 1305 there was a residence. Mrs. Ish in 1899 
erected a large brick warehouse on this lot. On the lot adjoin- 
ing this on the west John Walsh lived for more than thirty 
years. On the southwest corner next to this George Muldoon 
had his blacksmith shop. These two lots are now occupied by 
the Cudahy Packing Company as a wholesale house. 

On the northeast corner of Fourteenth Street and this street 
J. J. Hannigheu erected in 1910 a large three-story brick ware- 
house for his plumbing supplies. This lot was vacant for more 
than thirty years save for a small cottage in the rear. On the 
northwest corner of Fourteenth stands an old, tAvo-story, large 
frame house. This was the old home of Vincent Burkley, who 
lived there from 1869 to the date of his death in 1892. His fam- 
ily, consisting of Frank, Mrs. Burkhart, Mrs. Bethka, Mrs. C. 
Leary, mother of Attorney Ed. F. Leary, and Harry Burkley 
were all born there, where they resided until the death of the 
father. This building is now used as a boarding and rooming 
house, and is in much need of repair. 



O M A H A M E M O R I E S 147 

On the northwest corner Dr. Peabody lived in a magnificent 
residence. When the street was graded in 1884, the house was 
some twenty feet above the street level. The taxes incident to 
grading and paving were so expensive that the doctor was forced 
to secure a loan from A. J. Hanscom, who in 1899 foreclosed on 
it, and the property M'as subdivided. The David Cole Cream- 
ery and Commission House now occupy the corner. The old 
house still stands on the west side of the lot and is used as a 
rooming house. On the adjoining lot west of this Julius Nagle, 
who married Maggie Lange, built a handsome residence and 
lived there for four years, when the house was by them moved 
away. The lot is now vacant. 

On the north side of the street adjoining the Burkley prop- 
erty stands some fifteen feet above the street what was once a 
choice residence owned by Terry Mahoney for many years, with 
commissary department of the government. He resided there 
from 1884 to 1888. The building is now used as a rooming 
house and, like the Burkley home, is in much need of paint and 
paper. On the northeast corner of Fourteenth and this street 
George A. Joselyn is erecting a five-story brick building to be 
used as a printing establishment. This was once the property 
and residence of Mr. Powell, for a number of years a justice of 
the peace in Omaha. On the southwest corner of Fourteenth 
and this street is a vacant lot where once stood the beautiful 
residence of Dr. Conkling. It was built and occupied by him 
about the year 1870. The house has been torn down. The doe- 
tor was once one of Omaha's foremost physicians and is still 
living but has long since retired from practice. The Swartz 
Printing Company now occupies the southwest corner of this lot 
with a two-story brick building. 

Jackson Street. 

Jackson Street derived its name from President Jackson. 
About 1887 the Union Pacific local freight house was established 
on Ninth and this street. Prior to that John A. Wake- 
field was the owner of a lumber yard on that spot, on a part of 
which was located one of Omaha's first grist mills and grain 
elevators, run by Latham Davis. On the northwest corner of 
Ninth Street was erected in 1886 the Ames Block, one of the 
largest wholesale houses in the city. Prior to its erection there 
were a number of small cottages on the lot. On the southwest 
corner of Ninth Street stands an old frame building now and 
for years used as a saloon. It was built in 1866 by Mike Dee, 
and for a number of years was occupied as his residence ; the 
heirs still own this property. The small houses on the south 
side between Ninth and Tenth Streets are used as residences, 
the purpose for which they were erected some forty years ago. 



148 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

The southwest corner of Eleventh and this street, now a 
vacant lot, was for years the home of Michael Lavin, who died 
in 1888. On the northwest corner, where now stands the engine 
house, was the frame residence of Ed. Callahan, who died in 
1907. The other frame houses on that side of the street were 
owned by A. D. Jones and now belong to Frank Burkley. After 
their removal he erected a substantial brick printing establish- 
ment. The small brick building adjoining this property was 
for a number of years occupied by L. C. Huntington & Son. 
The basement of it was the first headquarters occupied by the 
Salvation Ai-my in 1882. On the south side were the residences 
of many of Omaha's old settlers, notably those of Tom Harring- 
ton and Dennie Shannahan. On the next corner west stood for 
years a Jewish synagogue called the "Bar Nar Israel." The 
property was afterward purchased by Joe Garneau. 

On the northwest corner of Twelfth and this street was a 
vacant lot owned by John Mulvihill, who in 1883 sold it to the 
"Garneau Cracker Company," for which purpose it is still used. 
West of this lot stands the residence of Larry Mangin, some 
twenty feet above grade. Mr. Mangin was for years employed 
at the government headquarters distributing mail. He and his 
mule were familiar figures on our streets. 

On the north side of this street, between Thirteenth and 
Fourteenth Streets, stand four frame buildings. The one at 
No. 1310 was for years the residence of Dennis Cunningham. 
The smaller one was for a long time occupied by the Cohns, of 
which the merchant tailor Avas a part of the family. Cun- 
ningham owned the property. The houses at Nos. 1314-16 are 
owned by Patrick Manning. I lived at 1314 for four years, from 
1883 to 1887. Mr. Manning resided at No. 1316. At that time 
this property was among the choicest of Omaha's residences. I 
had as neighbors Meyer Hellman, the clothier, and Andrew 
Riley, of Riley Bros., wholesale liquor firm. On the south side 
of this block were a number of small houses owned by Tom ]\Iur- 
ray. This entire half block is now occupied by the Skinner 
Manufacturing Company Avith a six-story brick building. 

On the northwest corner of Fourteenth and Jackson Avas 
formerly located a tAvo-story frame building used for years as a 
boarding house. It Avas called the "XorthAvestern Hotel" and 
run by Charles Daugherty. I boarded Avith them in 1882. That 
corner and the residence Avest of it, Avhere AndreAV Murphy 
lived, and the adjoining lot, on Avhich Mr. FeuAviek lived, are 
noAv occupied hy AndrcAv Murphy & Son as an automobile 
factory. The lot farther Avest on the corner Avas the old home- 
stead of W. J. Kennedy, implement dealer. This lot is noAV 
vacant. On the south side of this block, Avhere the iron Avorks 
are noAv located and knoAA'u as No. 1411, Avas the former resi- 



O M AHAMEMORIES 149 

dence of Michael Laliey, father of Dan Lahey, now of the Omaha 
detective force. On the south side of the next block, where the 
Kimball laundry now stands, was for years a vacant lot owned 
by Charles H. Brown. I was offered this lot in 1883 for $1,500, 
Mr. Brown to give me ten years in which to pay for it. To my 
sorrow, I declined the offer, and the lot at this writing, were 
it vacant, would bring $18,000 — another proof, if any be needed, 
to sustain the fact that one's hindsight is not as good as their 
foresight. On the southwest corner of Fourteenth was formerly 
the home of Patrick McGovern, father of Bishop McGovern of 
Cheyenne, Wyo., and for a number of years a priest in the 
Omaha diocese. This property was sold by Mr. McGovern to 
Peter Goos, in 1884, upon Avhich he constructed a five-storj^ hotel 
with stores facing Jackson Street. The old police court and city 
jail were located on the ground floor and basement of this build- 
ing from 1889 to 1898. 

The northwest corner of Fifteenth and this street was the 
old homestead on which Mr. Baldwin, the house mover, lived 
for thirty years. The lot adjoining it was the former residence 
of Dennis Cunningham, who in 1900 sold it to Rome Miller, 
upon which he erected a part of the Rome Hotel. On the south- 
east corner of Sixteenth and Jackson Streets was located the 
old Kennedy homestead. On that spot were born Attorney J. 
A. C. Kennedy and ''Spike," sons of the late Martin Kennedy. 
The People's Furniture Company has a twenty-year lease on 
the property and has erected a five-story brick for its wholesale 
and retail business. 

In 1880 Jackson Street from St. Mary's Avenue to Eighth 
Street was one of the favorite residence streets of the city. In 
that year it was graded, leveled and filled. The old creek that 
ran east on the street from Sixteenth Street was filled and the 
first main sewer in Omaha, was built to take its place. In that 
year there was a temporary wooden bridge at Thirteenth and 
this street. It was seldom in use, as the heavy freshets inva- 
riably kept it on the move. 

Howard Street. 

Howard Street derived its name from Colonel Howard, the 
father-in-law of Henry Farnam, after whom Farnam Street was 
named. In 1880 it fronted some of the finest residences in 
Omaha. Commencing on the east at Seventh Street was the res- 
idence of Herman Kountze, a handsome two-story frame build- 
ing surrounded by trees and shrubbery. This house was moved 
to Ninth Street, south of Leavenworth Street, where it is still 
standing, the grounds being now used and occupied by the B. 
& M. Railroad as a freight depot. To the east of this property, 
about one block, was a pond of fresh water where on many an 
occasion we were wont to take our evening swim. 



150 OMAHA MEMORIES 

On the northwest corner of Eighth and this street 
stood the old home of Mrs. Hennessey and family. To the west 
of this house stood the residence of the late John McGinn. 
Adjoining this on the corner was the home of Mayor Mulcahey, 
father of the Mulcahey boys, still living in Omaha. This entire 
half block is now occupied by B^-rne, Hammer & Co., with a 
six-story brick building. 

On the southwest corner of Ninth Street stood the first com- 
mission house in this city. It was a two-story frame building, 
the business being carried on by D. B. Beamer. Rocco Bros, 
have since constructed on this lot a five-story brick, used by 
them as a commission house. On the southeast corner of that 
block stood a two-story square brick house, for a number of 
years used and occupied by Tim Foley as a boarding house, 
afterwards by the Sisters of St. Mary as a home while teaching 
at St. Philomena's Parochial School, which was located on the 
northwest corner of Ninth Street, to the Avest of which stood a 
one-story frame house, and on the corner on the west end of 
the block facing Tenth Street, stood ]\Iike Parr's drug store. 

On the southeast corner, facing Ninth Street, there was for 
years a two-story frame building owner by A. Berthold and run 
by him as a junk shop. On the west corner of this block, where 
now stands a creamery, was a two-story frame residence. 

West of Tenth Street on the northeast corner, was the old 
European Hotel for many years, but now replaced by a two- 
story brick, used for the same purpose. West of that was the 
residence of Theo. Livingston, a pioneer Union Pacific engineer. 
The building is still standing and is occupied by a number of 
Italian families. West of that residence was Dr. S. D. Mercer's 
old home. Before moving to Fortieth and Cumiiig Streets, and 
for a number of years afterward, while general surgeon for the 
Union Pacific Railroad, he made a part of this building his 
office. On the south side on the west corner for years stood 
Tim Foley's boarding house. 

On the northwest corner of Eleventh and this street, fac- 
ing Howard Street, were six one-story cottages. They were in 
1886 moved off to make room for the present magnificent Mer- 
cer Block. To the west of this block, facing Twelfth Street, 
was the two-story frame residence of James U. Woolworth, one 
of Nebraska's pioneers and leading lawyers. Mr. Woolworth 
moved in 1882 to Twenty-second Street and St. Mary's Avenue. 
The Carpenter Paper Company for a number of years occupied 
this building. It is owned 1\v Woolworth 's widowed daughter, 
Mrs. Guy Howard, who married the son of General 0. 0. How- 
ard. There were a number of small frame cottages on the south 
side of this street, all of which space is now occupied by large 
brick business houses, the Morse-Cot Shoe Company being the 
first to place a building of any importance on that side. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 151 

On the northwest corner of Twelfth and this street and for 
more than 100 feet west stood a few small one-story brown cot- 
tages. In 1884 Dr,. Mercer built a three-story brick on this cor- 
ner, which for years was used as a hotel and known as the 
"Mercer." It was afterwards occupied by the O'Brien Candy 
Company for several years. On the southwest corner, facing 
Twelfth Street, stood the residence of Mr. Deleware, who died 
in 1882. This was a one-story frame, the west part of which 
was used as a rooming house (I roomed there in 1881-2). There 
is on this lot at this writing a one-story brick used as a printing 
house. On the lot east of that was the residence of Patrick 
Hickey, who lived there until 1885, when it was bought by John 
and James Kilkenney, who erected thereon a four-story brick, 
which is now used as a commission house. 

The corner west, facing Thirteenth Street, was in 1881 
owned and occupied by Patrick Manning, and on this lot was 
a blacksmith shop. In 1882 he built there the present three- 
story brick, which for 3'ears was run by Julius Treitschke as 
a rooming house and saloon. On the northwest corner, facing 
Thirteenth Street, in 1881 was a two-story frame building with 
store, and residence upstairs. It Avas occupied by one Schmidt, 
who, with his family, lived there and ran a grocery store. He 
was afterward extensively engaged in the express business. For 
a number of years the two lots west of this have been occupied 
by a blacksmith shop and livery stable. On the corner facing 
Fourteenth, on the same side, is a one-story brick, erected in 

1880 and for years run by Mr. Zimmer as a butcher shop. He 
died in 1896, since Avhich time it has been used as a saloon and 
run by Charley Loftman. On the south side of the street, be- 
tween Thirteenth and Fourteenth Streets, at 1309-11, stood in 

1881 the handsome residence of Frank C. Morgan, who at that 
time was a partner of Ben Gallagher, afterwards of the firm of 
Paxton & Gallagher This lot now has a three-stoiy brick erected 
in 1892 and occupied by the Festner Printing Company. On the 
lot west of it is a three-story brick, which was built in 1886 
and for a time used as a swimming school. Prior to that the 
lot was used as a beer garden. On the south corner of that side, 
facing Fourteenth Street, stands the old Homan homestead, a 
two-story frame building, at one time one of tne finest resi- 
dences in Omaha. It was built by George Homan, Omaha's 
pioneer livery stable man. It is now fast going to wreck and 
ruin, and is occupied as a negro rooming house. The northwest 
corner, facing Fourteenth Street, was for some thirty years 
occupied by Andrew Murphy as a horse shoe and wagon shop, 
and consisted of two one-story frame houses. Mr. Murphy va- 
cated the place in 1899, after which the Storz Brewing Company 
erected a two-story brick, the lower part of which is used as a 
saloon. West of this lot there were for a number of years four 
frame buildings, all of which have been removed to make way 



152 OMAHA MEMORIES 

for substantial brick business houses. The west lot in that 
block, facing Fifteenth Street, was the homestead of Joseph 
Sheeley, for a number of years engaged in the butcher business 
and later owner of the Sheeley Packing House of Omaha. The 
six-story building is now located on that lot. 

On the south side of the street there were eight two-story 
frame cottages. When the Auditorium was located there they 
were all sold to that company and moved away. The northwest 
corner of this street, facing Fifteenth Street, was the home of 
C. J. Karbach. It was a beautiful place, setting far back on his 
lot and surrounded by shrubbery of all kinds. In 1885 he moved 
the house otf and built there in its stead a three-story brick, 
which for years was used as a hotel and called the ''Karbach" — 
this building is still used as a hotel, but now called the "Hotel 
Boquet. " West of this lot is a two-story brick owned by Henry 
Bushman, and was used for a long time by the Frontier Laun- 
dry Company, but is now a restaurant. The lot west of this, 
facing Sixteenth Street, was the home of the late Charles Tur- 
ner. It was a palatial brick residence of some tw^enty rooms, 
supported on all sides by beautiful retaining walls. When Mr. 
Turner moved to his West Farnam Street residence in 1891 
it was used as a fashionable boarding house, and in 1906 was 
purchased and occupied by the Y. M. C. A., who held it but a 
short time, then sold it to Sunderland Bros., who erected on it 
a six-story brick building, now used and occupied by a clothing 
company. On the southwest corner, facing Fifteenth Street, is 
the three-story brick owned by George Joeelyn, erected in 1896 
and used by the Western Newspaper Union. There was on that 
lot, prior to this building, a one-story frame building. On the 
lot west of this was a building owned by the Sanborn Stock 
Food Company, but for a number of years it has been occupied 
by the Omaha Gas Company as its headquarters. On the lot 
west of this was built in 1890 a four-story brick. It was called 
the Garfield Block and contained one of the largest public halls 
in the city. 

On the northwest corner of Sixteenth Street was the home 
of George A. Hoagland, a beautiful residence. On this lot is 
now a four-story brick occupied by Thompson, Belden & Co. 

Harney Street. 

Commencing on Eighth Street there were, on both sides, 
north and south, many little cottages, all of which during the 
past ten years have been replaced by four and five-story brick 
w^arehouses. On the southeast corner of Ninth Street stood the 
old Cousin's House which, up to 1887, was used as a hotel, built 
for that purpose in 1864 by the erratic George Francis Train. 
In 1887 it was converted into a hospital by Dr,. McMinnamy and 



OMAHAMEMORIES 153 

used for that purpose until torn down in 1892 to make room for 
a large wholesale house. On the southwest corner stood the 
oldest Catholic Church in Omaha, if not in Nebraska — St. Phil- 
omena's. For a number of years it was the Catholic Cathedral 
and diocesan residence of the first Catholic Bishop in Nebraska, 
the saintly Bishop 'Gorman. This church was torn down in 
1909, and on the grounds is erected a large six-story implement 
house, owned by the John Deere Plow Company'. On the north- 
west corner of Tenth Street is Fritz Wirth's two-story frame 
hotel, music hall and saloon, a familiar resort for years. It was 
there when I came to Omaha. On the southwest corner there 
is a long one-story brick, built in 1880 and used by Jim Stephen- 
son as a livery stable. For years it has been occupied by Sam 
Reese's printing shop. 

At No. 1211 was erected the first substantial building on 
this street, built in 1882 by W. J. Broach and for years after- 
ward occupied by him as a wholesale and retail hardware store. 
To the west, adjoining this lot, stood tlie old Omaha House, run 
by Pat Dempsey. The next lot west of this was for years owned 
by Father Ryan of Columbus, Nebraska, an old recluse who died 
here in 1897, leaving his vast estate to the Catholic Church and 
the Bishop of this diocese. 

On the southeast corner of Thirteenth Street stands a four- 
story brick, erected in 1880. It was first occupied by Steele, 
Johnson & Co. as a wholesale grocery store, afterward by Lee 
Fried & Co., and at this writing by the Baum Iron Company. 
The reason that I recall so accurately the year it was built is 
owing to the fact that I earned my first dollar in Nebraska by 
shoveling the dirt in excavating the foundation, as told in the 
opening pages of these Recollections. On the north side stood 
the St. Charles Hotel, a neat two-story frame. The one-story 
brick at No. 1220 was built by James E. Boyd in 1883. This was 
his office while owner of the Boyd Packing House and during 
his last term as mayor of Omaha. On the northwest corner of 
Thirteenth Street stood for a number of years the second estab- 
lished implement house in this city, owned by the late W. J. 
Kennedy. It was torn down in 1889, and on the lot are now two 
one-story brick buildings used as stores. On the southwest cor- 
ner of Thirteenth stands a one-story brick, which was in 1880 
occupied by Pat 'Toole as a wet goods emporium — or saloon — 
during all those years and up to the present time, with the excep- 
tion of the ten years from 1883 to 1893, when it was occupied by 
S. Johanison as a jewelry store, it has been used as a saloon. 
The two-story brick on the lot in the rear, or west of it, was 
used as a fire engine house and a livery stable. The stable was 
formerly owned by the late Joe Withrow. In 1884 it was used 
as the democratic hp>adquarters during the Blaine-Cleveland na- 
tional campaign. The lot west of that was during 1885-6 occu- 



154 OMAHAMEMORIES 

pied by Manning & Hiss, as an implement house, afterwards by 
Wagner Bros., for a like purpose. On the corner of that block, 
facing Fourteenth Street, stood a small coop of a brick used for 
a long time by Scott & McCloud as a barber shop. 

Recurring to the north side of the street from Thirteenth to 
Fourteenth Streets, on the northwest corner of Thirteenth Street, 
the two-story frame building that now stands here was there 
in 1880 and used for the purpose for which it now and ever 
has been used — that of a saloon. In 1881 Police Judge Beneke 
used the upstairs for our police court. It has during all this 
time been owned by the Bohme estate. The lot west of this is 
owned by August Pratt, formerly of Omaha, but now of Cali- 
fornia. In 1895 he erected on the lot a large warehouse and 
store building. In 1880 this lot had on it a two-story frame 
used as a hotel and run by Michael Donovan, afterward proprie- 
tor of the Creighton House. The corner facing Fourteenth 
Street was occupied by a carriage shoj) used by William Sny- 
der, manufacturer of fancy buggies. He sold out his business 
in 1886, and the last heard of him he was in Alaska. The prop- 
erty was later purchased by the Krug Brewing Company, on 
which it erected the present Krug Theater. 

On the southwest corner of Fourteenth Street in 1882 there 
was a two-story frame building owned by a Mrs. Riley and used 
as a boarding house. In 1886 this property was bought by the 
Pacific Express Company, who erected on it the present five- 
story brick building, and was until 1906 used by them as their 
express office. In 1914 it was converted into a hotel, for which 
purpose it is now used. On the lot west of it stood a small 
brick, used by Watson Bros, as a horse shoeing shop. The north- 
west corner was for years afflicted with a two-story, unsightly, 
frame building, used by the owner, Tom Murray, as a store 
house for everything from a left-hand monkey wrench to an 
anchor. In the spring of 1885 it was removed and in its place 
was laid the foundation of what years afterwards was a hotel, 
known as the "Murray Hotel." It requir.ed seven years to con- 
struct the ])uilding, it being done by day work, a man and a boy 
working on it semi-occasionally. West of this and adjoining 
it was located the 'M. F. Hammond Machine Shop," which went 
out of business in 1883 and gave Avay to the substantial bricK 
and business house that now stands on the lot. In this connec- 
tion it might be Avell to state that this street was graded in 
1884 from Fifteenth to Twenty-fourth Street, the contract being 
awarded o Callahan & Co. This caused a radical change in 
the condition of things, more especially to permanent buildings. 

On the northwest corner of Fifteenth stood in 1880 the resi- 
dence of Judge John I Redick, who lived there until 1882, when 
it was torn down to make way for the present substantial brick 



OMAHAMEMORIES 155 

buildings, including the Gayety Theater. On the northeast cor- 
ner of Sixteenth Street, in that block, the Kountze Memorial 
Church was built in 1884. In 1900 the lot was sold to Judge 
James Neville for $70,000. This, I think, included the brick 
edifice. In 1904 he erected on that lot a two story brick, a very 
unsightly building for such a valuable corner. 

On the southeast corner of Fifteenth Street in 1880 stood 
the leading hotel of Omaha, a three-story brick, known as the 
"Withnell Hotel," which was purchased b}^ Gibson Miller and 
Richardson in 1884 and converted into a printing establishment, 
from which place the Omaha Daily Herald was issued. In 1887 
the building and newspaper was purchased b.y the then con- 
gressman from this district, John A. McShane, who in 1890 razed 
the building and erected in its stead the Creighton Hall and. 
theater, now the Orpheum. 

On the southeast corner of the block, facing Sixteenth 
Street, on a high embankment, was the fine residence of Mr. 
Balback, one of the head men of the Omaha Smelting Works. 
This building was torn down in 1890 and for a number of years 
the lot remained vacant. In 1906 it was purchased by an east- 
ern syndicate who in that year erected on it the present six- 
teen-story office and store building which is now known as the 
"City National Bank Building" and the home of the City Na- 
tional Bank. On the northwest corner of Sixteenth Street stood 
for many years the home of A. D. Jones, Omaha's first post- 
master. In 1884, in grading this street, the house was some 
forty feet above the street, necessitating three sections of steps 
to effect an entrance to the house. In 1897 the Schlitz Brew- 
ing Company purchased the property and erected on it the 
present four-story brick structure, known as the Schlitz Hotel, 
the first floor being used mostly by different companies as stores. 
To the west of this lot, in a two-story frame house, lived E. E. 
Nash, who before his death was president of the American Smelt- 
ing and Refining Company. In 1886 he moved the building, 
and in 1900 erected on the lot the present four-story substantial 
store building running from 1608 to 1612. 

On the northeast corner of this block, facing Seventeenth 
Street, lived Captain Charles B. Ruston, vice president of the 
Omaha Street Railway Company and of the Omaha Smelting 
Works. The Rustons moved from there in 1887. The property 
was purchased by John F. Coad, he in turn selling it to a man 
named Keeline who, in 1910, erected the present seven-story 
brick office and store building known as the Keeline Brick. 

On the southAvest corner of Sixteenth Street for a numT)er 
of years lived Omaha's first mayor, Jessie Loav. This corner 
also suffered the effects of grading, and the Lows were in the 
same plight as A. D. Jones on the other corner, their house 



156 OMAHAMEMORIES 

standing some forty feet above the street, with three sections 
of stairs winging their way to the house up the steep bank. In 
]898 W. R. Bennett & Son purchased the property and built on 
it the present four-story brick building, moving there from Fif- 
teenth Street and Capitol Avenue. This proved too large an un- 
dertaking, and the firm in 1906 sold the store and building 
to J. E. Baum, who in 1913 sold to the present occupants, Bur- 
gess-Nash Company. The lot ran the entire length of the block 
to Seventeenth Street. J). E. Boyd in 1894 purchased the west 
end and erected the present Boyd Theater. 

On the southwest corner of Seventeenth Street is located 
the Y. M. C. A., which covers two city lots. It is a six-story 
stone building, built in 1906. Tom Murray was the former owner 
of the lots, which stood twenty-five feet above the street level 
and were dotted with a number of old, dilapidated frame 
buildings. 

Farnam Street. 

Farnam Street was called after a man named Henry Far- 
nam, a railroad promoter in the pioneer days of Iowa. It under- 
went what might be termed more "surgical operations" than any 
other of Omaha's streets. From its earliest history it was a 
traveled thoroughfare to the west. In 1880 it had little or no 
sidewalks. The center of the street was macadamized with 
gravel, which proved but a temporary makeshift. The balance 
of the street was one continual mud hole. It must have been the 
sight of this that caused Saxe, the poet, to write his version of 
Omaha, when he wrote : 

"Hast ever been to Omaha, 

Where rules the dark Missouri down, 

Where four strong horses scarce can draw 
An empty wagon through the town?" 

I do not know when he penned these lines, but I do know 
they were in no way lacking in truth in 1880. It was the usual 
thing to see this street torn up and blocked on an average of 
six or eight times a year for one reason or another. It was first 
paved with Sioux Falls granite in 1883, after which it was dis- 
covered that the sewers were inadequate, necessitating new ones ; 
then came lateral sewers and various connections, followed by 
larger pipes and sundry other requirements. In 1910 the stone 
pavement was removed, asphalt taking its place. 

The grade from Fifteenth to Twentieth Streets was changed 
on two occasions. At each meeting for that purpose the owners 
of abutting property almost came to blows. I recall one instance 
of this in the early part of 1883, when one evening while re- 
clining against the fence surrounding the old Court House on 
Sixteenth Street, where now stands the Paxton Block, my atten- 



OMAHA MEMORIES 157 

tion was attracted by a loud noise and angry voices, which I 
discovered were coming from the old council chamber upstairs 
in an old frame building, located where now stands the United 
States National Bank. Prompted by curiosity, I climbed the 
old rickety stairs which lead me to the scene of strife. There 
I found engaged, in an all but deadly struggle, Ed. Rosewater 
and Andrew, his brother, then city engineer ; John I. Redick, W. 
A. Paxton, A. J. Hanscom, T. W. T. Richards, Dick or John 
Withnell (I do not recall which), Charles S. Goodrich and Joe 
Barker. The grade on this street had been established and an 
effort was being made ^t that meeting to change it, making a 
deeper cut from Sixteenth to Twentieth Streets. The contem- 
plated change provided for a six-foot cut, this being advocated 
by the Rosewaters, Paxton and Redick, and bitterly opposed by 
the others. Finally a compromise was reached by agreeing upon 
a three-foot cut. This proved a very fortunate compromise; 
yet, had the cut as advocated by the Rosewaters and others 
been carried out, the street would have had a better grade and 
it would have long since been a better retail street, as evidenced 
by the wisdom displayed by the Harney Street property holders 
at that time engaged in a similar struggle. 

Passing this event I will now endeavor to describe the street 
as it was in 1880, and as it is this year, 1916. 

Commencing on Eighth Street, I found at that time on the 
north side of the street a number of small cottages east of the 
Union Pacific headquarters, most of which are now used as junk 
shops. Those, together with the headquarters, covered that side 
of the block, while on the south side, in the middle of the block, 
was, in later years, a livery stable. Adjoining it was a frame 
cottage, the home of Mr. Fox, the contractor. 

On the southeast corner of Ninth Street was the old Can- 
field House, run for years by George Canfield who, up to 1881, 
had been a passenger conductor on the Union Pacific — the house 
has changed hands frequently since Canfield gave it up. Among 
others who ran it was G. Fred Elsasser in 1910. The property 
was owned by S. H. H. Clark. On the northwest corner of Ninth 
Street was a vacant lot. It is claimed that the Nebraska terri- 
torial capitol was once located on it. It is now occupied as a 
part of the M. E. Smith Manufacturing Company. Adjoining 
this lot to the west stands a one-story brick. This building was 
at one time the home of the Omaha Bee. In 1882 this company 
built adjoining it a four-story brick, using the smaller one as 
the business office. Further west in that block on the north-, 
east corner stands a large five-story brick, built in 1882, by A. 
L. Strang. The lower floors dere iised by him as a supply 
house and the upper ones by the Department of the Platte as 
their headquarters from 1885-8. It was in later years oecu- 



158 OMAHA MEMORIES 

pied b}^ the Omaha Printing Company. On the southwest cor- 
ner of Ninth Street once flourished the old Tivoli Garden, which 
was in its prime from 1881 to 1886. Many were the pleasant 
evenings spent by me in listening to the music of Mr. Thiel's 
band and enjoying the cool breezes under the shade of the 
"Anheuser Busches. " Adjoining this garden was the under- 
taking shop of C. Riewe, who conducted the second oldest busi- 
ness of the kind in Omaha in point of years. West of Riewe 's 
place was the old Doran House, known and remembered by many 
of Omaha 's prominent men of today, who at one time or another 
boarded there in their younger days. It was run by a saintly 
widow lady, named Mrs. Doran, who about 1882 married Pat 
Carey, one of nature's noblemen. Mrs. Doran, or Mrs. Carey, 
was the mother of Father Doran, an Omaha boy, now a distin- 
guished Jesuit priest and head of that order — I believe in Mil- 
waukee. In 1889 this house was moved to Nineteenth near Har- 
ney Street, where it is still run as the Doran House. Mrs. Carey 
died about ten years ago, her husband following about 1911. 
While I never boarded at that house, yet it was my pleasure to 
have personally and intimately known both of those persons 
from 1880 until the time of their death. 

On the southeast corner of Tenth and this street was lo- 
cated the Green Tree House, run by Dan Tobin. It was moved 
in 1887 to Eighteenth and William Streets, where it now stands. 
On this ground was erected, in 1891, by Allen Bros., the whole- 
sale grocers, the present six-story fireproof building,. On the 
northwest corner of Tenth Street is the B. & M. headquarters. 
Up to 1885 it Avas occupied by MeCord-Brady & Co. as their 
wholesale grocery house. The building on the northeast corner 
of the block was built by Max Meyer in 1881, and for a number 
of years Avas used by him as a jewelry store. It Avas the most 
prominent corner in Omaha for years. On the southwest cor- 
ner of Tenth Street is a two-story brick, built in 1886 by A. J. 
Poppleton. For years it has been occupied by a wholesale liquor 
house, first by Stubendorf & Nestor, afterwards by Andy Frick, 
the present occupant. The upstairs part was occupied bv the 
Y. M. C. A. from 1887 to 1890. On this lot A. J. Poppleton" built 
his law office in 1858. I have heard him say that it was a one- 
room sod house constructed by himself. The brick building ad- 
joining it on the west was built in 1885 by the Krug Brewing 
Company and has been used as a hotel during all of the time 
It is known as the "Vienna Hotel." I have been informed by 
Mr. Krug, Sr., that on that lot he built his first residence in 
, Omaha and the spot on which most of his children were born. 
He is yet alive, though long past the three score years and ten. 
The small buildings, from the last named to the corner of Elev- 
enth Street, have been occupied by various people and for vari- 
ous purposes during the past thirty-six years. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 159 

The two-story brick on the northwest corner of Eleventh 
and Farnara Streets was for years the property of Count Creigh- 
ton, where, on the second floor, he maintained his office in 1887. 
In the early '80s the spacious hall was used for dances and large 
gatherings, and on more than one occasion have I tripped the 
"light fantastic" at a St. Patrick's Day ball in that old hall. 
This old building was occupied at one time by F. C. Festner & 
Son as a printing office. The Eden Muse was located on the 
first floor during the year 1890, and since then it has been a 
"general supply house." The adjoining building west, called the 
"Lytle Block," was built in 1882 by Judge J. W. Lytle, one of 
Omaha's pioneer lawyers. The upper floors have been used for 
various purposes since its erection. In 1882 Rathbun & Dailey 
occupied it for a commercial school. The small brick west of 
this was built by Ed. Callahan in 1878, and has been used as 
such since that time. 

The northeast corner of Twelfth and this street was for 
thirty years occupied and owned by Dick Wild, who ran what 
was called the finest saloon in Omaha. He was a great sport, 
fancy horses and race tracks being his hobby. He died in 1906. 
A five-story auto supply house was built there in 1910, covering 
the entire length of the lot. On the southwest corner, facing 
Eleventh Street, is a five-story brick, used as a hotel and saloon 
— more for saloon than hotel purposes. It was built in 1897. 
In 1881 it was occupied by James McVittie, father of Tom Mc- 
Vittie of Omaha, as a grocery store. It is dignified with the 
title of "Oxford Hotel." A few doors to the west of this is 
the large three-story brick, for more than a quarter of a cen- 
tury the wholesale and retail furniture stores of Dewey &, 
Stone. West of this stands a small two-story brick store, built 
about 1878 by John Kennelly, one of Omaha's oldest settlers. 
On the southeast corner there is a two-story brick which can 
justly be classed as ah old landmark. A part of this building 
was a wholesale and retail cigar store. Among the early tenants 
who so used it for that purpose were Mattes Toft, now deceased ; 
Teo. Olseu, once city councilman and later city comptroller of 
Omaha, and later on by Jim McGuckin. The entire store part 
of this building is now used as a retail clothing house. The 
second story was for twenty-five years used by Julius Meyer as 
his living apartments, where he kept the greatest display of 
Indian curios and costumes in this country. In these rooms, 
in 1882, the democratic city central committee met as the guests 
of Mr. Meyer. 

On the northwest corner of Twelfth Street stood an old 
frame building, which was torn down in 1882 to make room for 
the Nebraska National Bank, which was erected there in that 
year by Henry W. Yates. This is a six-story narrow building 
and called the "Iron Building." The Nebraska National Bank 



160 OMAHAMEMORIES 

still occupies it. The adjoining building west was for years 
owned and occupied by N. I. D. Solomon as a store. The bank 
sought to purchase it from the owner, but the price was un- 
reasonably high, so they built without it. Nick Yager ran a 
restaurant in the place for sixteen years, since which time it 
has been used as a saloon, run by Cackley Bros. West of this 
was the furniture house of Charles Shiverick. This firm had 
two very costly fires, one in 1892 and the other in 1893, after 
which they practically went out of business. On the adjoining 
lot west was located the Omaha Furniture Company. This was 
a two-story frame building. When vacant it was used tempo- 
rarily by the First National Bank while its present place was 
being constructed in 1887. Ed. Maurer occupied the adjoining 
lot where stood a two-story frame building. Permanent brick 
buildings now occupy both of these lots. The small one-story 
frame adjoining the Merchants National Bank was from 1882 
to 1888 occupied by A. Martin as a tailor shop, and is noAv used 
as a cigar store. 

The northeast corner of that block, facing Thirteenth street, 
where the six-story Merchants National Bank now stands, was 
covered by a one-story frame store building facing Farnam 
Street, and was from 1881-88 used as a hat store and owned 
by a retired army officer. Col. Frederick. On the southwest 
corner of Twelfth stood a real old landmark — the original home 
of the United States National Bank. It was a two-story white 
brick, with large basement used for years by a Mr. Gamil as a 
barber shop. The first floor was occupied by the bank. The 
familiar iron stairs on the east side over the sidewalk in 1881 
led to the Ogallala Land and Cattle Company's office. This 
building was torn down in 1886 and the present six-story stone 
was erected in its place. The greater part of the upstairs has 
for a long time been used by the Northwestern Railroad as its 
headquarters. The bank vacated the place in 1907, when it con- 
solidated with other banks and moved to its present headquarters 
on Sixteenth Street. On the west of the bank, at No. 1211, 
Henry Hardy ran a 99c store from 1881-7, since which time it 
has been occupied by the Omaha Furniture and Carpet Com- 
pany. The adjoining building was from 1886 to 1905 occupied 
by Hill & Young as a furniture store. The next place Avest, 
and adjoining the First National Bank, Avas for years used as 
a hardware store, owned by a Mr. Sn,yder. 

The southeast corner of Thirteenth and Farnam was in 
1880 covered by a two-story frame building used by the First 
National Bank for the same purpose that it now is. In the 
rear of this at that date J. E. Boyd, pork packer, had his office. 
The building was razed in 1887 and the present one erected. On 
the northeast corner of Thirteenth and this street stands a two- 
story brick, the former home of the Merchants National Bank. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 161 

It is an old landmark and was built in the early days of Omaha. 
Of late years it has been occupied by a drug company. Prior 
to that it was the Union Pacific ticket office. The building west 
of it was used by J. A. Caulfield as a stationery and book store. 
Adjoining this was in 1880 located the dry goods store of J. 
H. F. Lehman. It was a one-story frame building. The first 
white shirt purchased by me in Nebraska was bought there in 
March, 1880. The building was torn down about 1883 and the 
present brick was erected on the lot. In 1895 Ed. Maurer pur- 
chased the property for $12,000, since wdiich time he has con- 
ducted his present business — that of a saloon and restaurant. 
This restaurant has for years been known throughout this west- 
ern country as the most up-to-date one of its kind to be found. 
The two-story frame building west of this was for twenty-five 
years used by John Baumer as a jewelry store. He retired from 
business in 1896. This is the only frame building now standing 
in any block of this street from Thirteenth to Eighteenth Streets. 
The adjoining four-story brick, which for the past ten years has 
been occupied by the Postal Telegraph Company, Avas erected 
about 1888. Sam Burns' Crockery Store was for many years 
located at No. 1318. On the northeast corner of that block is 
*the "Cahn Block," a two-story brick, another of Omaha's old- 
est landmarks. Since its erection back in the '70s it has been 
owned by the Calm family and was erected by Aaron Cahn, 
one of Omaha's oldest clothiers. The stores facing Farnam 
Street are used, one as a cigar store and the other as a ticket 
office. Judge A. C. Troup and Ed. Cornish had their law offices 
upstairs for a long time. In 1882 Rector the furrier occupied 
the corner store and Phillip Lange the other as a shoe store 

On the soutlnvest corner of Thirteenth Street was M. Hell- 
man's three-story brick building which, up to 1888, was the larg- 
est exclusive clothing store in this city. In 1897 it was converted 
into a hotel on the European plan, and was called the "Dewey." 
It was destroyed by fire in February-, 1913, and in 1914 the 
Omaha Printing Company erected in its place the present five- 
story brick — one of the largest printing houses in the Avest. Two 
of the buildings west of this were for years used as drygoods 
stores, one by Loyal Smith, and the other by S. P. IMorse & Co. 
Smith was a sensational bargain-giver and at times would give 
free excursions to Omaha from a radius of 100 miles around, 
when carpets Avould be laid on the sidewalks almost the entire 
length of the block. One pleasant Saturday night in the spring 
of 1886 he locked the store doors and decamped for Canada, 
leaving behind him debts aggregating $100,000. In the summer 
of 1887 Morse disposed of his store and business. West of these 
buildings in 1880, Ish & McMahon ran a drug store, this being 
the closest the block ever came to harboring a saloon until 1889, 
when Dorst established a wholesale liquor house at No. 1313 in 



162 O M A H A M E M O R I E S 

that block. On the southeast corner of that block stood one of 
Omaha's oldest hardware and stove stores, and one of the most 
extensive in the entire west. It was a three-story building occu- 
pying a full city lot and \vas owned and run by Milton Rogers 
& Son. This ground and building was sold by the Rogers estate 
in 1910 to the Woodmen of the World, who erected on the lot 
its present sixteen-story building, it being the headquarters of 
the order as well as an office building and stores. 

On the northwest corner of Fourteenth and Farnam in 1880 
there was a two-story frame store and office building, one of the 
stores being used by A. D. Morse Shoe Compam'. His signs read : 
"A boy can buy as cheap as a man at A. D. Morse's,'' this 
being about all the advertising he did, that being sufficient, as it 
made him famous. The present two-story brick on that lot was 
erected about 1883 and for years a part of the second floor was 
used as a hall, known as "St. George's Hall.'' For years John 
L. "Webster had his office there, as did Boggs & Hill. The Norris 
ticket office and cigar store and J. B. Williams, the tailor, at 
one time occupied two of its stores, the latter being the oldest 
tenant in point of duration in the building. West of this at No. 
1412 is the World-Herald office, located there in 1887. Prior 
to that there was a one-story brick there, used as a saloon and 
run by Ed. Wittig. Adjoining this to the west has for years 
been the saloon and billiard hall of Lentz & AVilliams ; it is a 
two-story brick — this being part of the ground upon which in 
1885 was erected a one-story narrow brick building where, in 
January of that j-ear David Miller, ex-sherift' of Douglas County, 
started a saloon which for years was known as a political head- 
quarters and called the "Drum," but it proved an expensive ven- 
ture to Miller. Adjoining this on the northeast corner was Boyd's 
Opera House, erected in 1882. It was completeh' destroyed by 
fire in October, 1893. In 1896 the Nebraska Clothing Company 
purchased the ground and erected its present five-story clothing 
house. In 1880 an old livery stable, owned by Wilber & Co., 
occupied this lot. 

On the southwest corner of Fourteenth Street is located the 
Paxton Hotel. When it Avas built, in 1882, it was considered 
the finest hotel in the city if not in the entire west. It was a 
vacant lot in 1880, and prior to the fire of 1878, the Grand Central 
Hotel stood there. The Ketchum brothers built the present hotel, 
which they have managed since its erection. The building west 
of it was the place from which the old ^Morning Herald was 
issued. At No. 1415, C. S. Goodrich ran a store in 1885. At No. 
1417 was, in 1880, located the first undertaking establishment 
in the city, and was owned and run by John G. Jacobs, and after 
his death by Drexel & Maul. At No. 1419 is the Drexel Shoe 
Company. In 1883 Henry Dohl occupied it for a like purpose. 
On the southeast corner of that block and Fifteenth Street is 



OMAHAMEMORIES 163 

located the Ware Block, erected in 1882 by W. A. Paxton. It 
is a six-story brick used for stores and offices. For a number of 
years it was used by Kelle.y, Steiger & Co. as a drygoods store. 
It was named in honor of the wife of the owner, AV. A. Paxton. 

On the northwest corner, on Fifteenth Street, wafS located 
the old Union Block, also called the Wabash Corner because 
the ticket office of that road was located there from 1880-90 — 
Frank E. Moores being the agent. For years it was the spot 
where political medicine was mixed. I recall one instance in 
1890 when there were gathered in a group James E. Boyd, W. 
J. Bryan, Charles II. Brown, C. V. Gallagher, J. Sterling Mor- 
ton and myself. At this writing this building is being razed to 
make way for the eight-story building of the Omaha World- 
Herald, this lot having been purchased by the company in 1914, 
The five-story brick west of this was built in 1882 by Peter Goos, 
and was used by him as a hotel, then called the "Goos Hotel." 
In 1885 it was sold to W. A. Paxton who in 1895 sold it to Lou 
Hill. Since 1885 it has been known as the "Merchants Hotel." 
The lots west of that are the ones on which the Paxton Block is 
located, that building extending to the northeast corner of Six- 
teenth Street. In 1880 and up to 1883 the Douglas County Coui^t 
House stood on that corner, when it was sold to Paxton for a 
certain sum, and part in exchange for other lots where now stands 
the new Court House. The Paxton Block was erected in 1888. 
In 1895 it was sold to the present owners, the Boston Ground 
Eent Company. 

On the southwest corner of Fifteenth Street is located the 
Barker Block. This ground has been owned by the Barker estate, 
to my personal knowledge, since 1880. In that year and up to 
1886 there stood on that lot a two-story frame building, used for 
stores and offices. In 1886 a new building was started, but before 
its completion it was destroyed by fire. The present six-story 
brick was constructed immediately' afterward, the main fioor of 
which is occupied as a banlc. The adjoining two-story brick was 
built in 1882 hy 0. F. Davis and for years was used by the Davis 
Keal Estate Company. The brick adjoining this was built in 
1884 by George W. Ames & Son, after whom Ames Avenue was 
called, and was used as their real estate office up to 1893. Adjoin- 
ing this to the west is the old Redick Building which, from 
1884-90, was used as an office building. It is but a four-story 
brick. In 1910 there was added to this as an annex a six-story 
fireproof building. Though but thirty feet in width, this, in 
addition to the old building, makes a first-class hotel, which for 
years has been called the "Henshaw," run by T. J. O'Brien. A 
two-story brick twenty feet in width adjoins this and is owned by 
the Redick estate. 

On the southwest corner of that block, on Sixteenth Street, 
in 1880, stood the handsome residence of Charles S. Goodrich, 



164 OMAHAMEMORIES 

In 1884 the property was purchased from him by John A. Mc- 
Shane for $40,000, and the residence was torn down and re- 
placed by a number of one-story brick buildings. In 1887 Zach- 
ariah Thompson bought the property from ^IcShane for some- 
thijig like $60,000, at least he so informed me. Mr. Thompson 
had his real estate office in the corner store until 1888, when it 
was rented to Mr. Schroeder for a drug store, which he occu- 
pied until 1894, when it was rented for a like purpose by the 
Myers-Dillon Drug Company, who occupied it until August of 
this year, when the property was leased from the Thompson 
heirs for a period of ninety-nine years by the Rose Realty Com- 
pany, which is erecting on the entire lot a substantial six-story 
office and store building. I recall an incident that took place 
in 1882, which was in connection with this lot. When the 
change of grade of this street was being agitated there was a 
big pond on the street just east of Sixteenth, and Mr. Goodrich, 
who was something of a wag, dressed a dummy in a rubber suit 
and hat, placed a rod and line in his hand, with a sign reading, 
"Fishing good, but pond dangerous — no bottom." 

On the northAvest corner of Sixteenth Street, in 1880, stood 
a three-story, long frame building known as Redick's Opera 
House, which from 1882-86 was used as our city hall, police sta- 
tion and police court. In 1889 the old place was torn down and 
the lot sub-divided, and in 1894 S. P. ]\Iorse erected a five-story 
drygoods house on the north end. In 1895 the Commercial Na- 
tional Bank erected a three-story store and bank building on 
the corner. In 1906 this bank was merged with the United 
States National which, in 1915, razed the old building and erected 
in its stead the present five-story stone, with additional ground 
to the west. On the northeast corner of this block stood the resi- 
dence of Joseph ^Millard who, in 1887, sold the property to the 
New York Life Insurance Company. It, in 1888, erected the 
ten-story building that is now on the lot. It was the first build- 
ing of that magnitude erected west of Chicago. Mr. White, who 
was murdered by Thaw in New York some years ago, drew the 
plans of the building. This property-, in 1912, was purchased by 
the Omaha National Bank, to which it moved that year, leaving 
]\Ir. Joseph Millard, its president, in his declining years to do 
business upon the same lot upon which he lived while raising 
his family, from the earl}' '60s to 1887. 

On the southwest corner of Sixteenth Street in 1881 stood 
a fire engine house, the lot being owned by the city of Omaha, 
which in 1884 sold it to the Omaha Board of Trade for $12,000— 
I was present at the time the deed was signed and delivered hy 
Acting Mayor Murphy to ^Ir. Ames, a member of the Board. This 
was in the mayor's office about 5 o'clock p. m. of the day on 
Avhicli it was signed. In 1885 the Board of Trade erected on the 
lot a six-story brick, part of which was for offices, the main floor 



OMAHAMEMORIES 165 

being used as a grain exchange. The city council occupied part 
of the second tloor from 1888 to 1891, It was also the home of 
the Commercial CUub for years. The building was destroyed by 
fire on February 16, 1915, and the property sold to the First 
National Bank, which intends erecting on the lot an eighteen- 
story fireproof bank, office and store building, which is to be 
finished by 1917. The one-story stores west of this were erected 
in 1888. This property has changed hands a number of times 
since the buildings were erected, all of Avhich now belong to W. 
Farnam Smith. They are an eyesore and should be replaced by 
more substantial ones on property as valuable as this. The old 
Patterson Block on the southeast corner of Seventeenth Street, a 
three-story brick, is another eyesore which I am informed by 
the recent owner, ]Mr. George A. Joselyn, is soon to be replaced 
by a substantial store and office building. 

On the southwest corner of Seventeenth Street stands the 
Douglas County Court House, a magnificent five-story stone build- 
ing, which occupies one-half block in Avidth and one block in 
length on the Harney Street side, leaving the north side for 
future extensions and maintaining a beautiful laM^n. It Avas 
erected in 1912, taking the place of the old, unsightly, inconven- 
ient old Court House built in 1885. 

On the northwest corner of Seventeenth Street is the Omaha 
Bee building, in which I have had my offices for the past three 
years and where I have written all of these Recollections. This 
seven-story building was erected in 1887 by the Bee Building 
Compan}', through the efforts of the late lamented Edward Rose- 
water, founder and editor of the Omaha Bee, who did more than 
any other dozen men to build up not only Omaha, but this entire 
western country. For years he lived on this lot in a small white 
cottage. When the street was graded in 1888 the house stood 
about thirty feet higher than the present curb line. The Omaha 
Morning and Evening Bee are issued from this building, the plant 
being in the basement. West of it, on the northeast corner, is 
the City Hall, a six-story stone building, erected in 1890 during 
the administration of Mayor Cushing at a cost of $250,000, a 
monument to the memory of that administration. Its original 
foundation, which cost $4,000, was laid by Brennan & Whelan. 
On my entrance into the city council in 1890, I caused an inves- 
tigation to be made as to the durability and strength of this 
work, and a committee consisting of Dan Wheeler, W. G. Shriver 
and myself was appointed and reported its defects and recom- 
mended it being torn down. Our report was accepted and the 
present foundation was put in its place. The building, while in 
good condition, is sadly in need of up-to-date remodeling. In 
1880 W. A. Paxton resided on that lot. 

On the northwest corner noAV stands the Deverage Block, a 
two-story brick used for stores and a rooming house. In 1880 



166 OMAHAMEMORIES 

T. W. T. Richards, an attorney and owner of the Omaha Foun- 
dry and ^Machine Shop — now the Paxton & Vierling Iron Works — 
lived there. He was one of the sufferers from the grading of 
this street, he being left some thirty feet on a high embankment. 

On the southwest corner of Seventeenth Street lived for years 
Omaha's first police judge. Judge Porter. His son-in-law, Ed. 
Haney, owned and occupied the house from 1881 to 1906. Avhen 
it was sold to F. D. Wead, who erected on it the present three- 
story brick for store and office purposes. It is known as the 
AVead building. 

Douglas Street. 

Douglas Street was named after the Little Giant of Illinois — 
Stephen A. Douglas — who at one time was the idol of the demo- 
cratic part,y, second only to Andrew Jackson. In 1880 there were 
but few substantial business blocks on this street, aside from 
what was then called the Caldwell Block, On the south side of 
that street, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth Streets, there 
were a few brick structures. That block alone possessed the only 
evidence of business on the street. The Paddock Block, on the 
southwest corner of Eleventh Street, and the Glj^nn Block, on 
the northwest corner, were the first evidences of permanent 
buildings on the street. They were erected about 1883. The Mil- 
lard Hotel, on the northeast corner of Thirteenth Street, was 
built about the same year. The Metropolitan Hotel, on the north- 
east corner of Twelfth Street, is an old landmark that runs back 
to Omaha's early days. It was a popular resort in the early '80s, 
but has of late years been used mostly as a cheap lodging house. 
Where the ]\lillard Hotel now stands the Vicher Block stood. 
That was a two-story frame building used for stores and offices. 
Gladstone Bros, occupied one of the stores and carried on an 
extensive grocery business. On the southwest corner of Four- 
teenth there was a two-story brick, the store part of which was 
used by Wm. Flemming as a grocery store, he retiring from busi- 
ness in 1895, since which time a new three-story brick has taken 
its place. 

At No. 1407 for years Little & AVilliams ran a grocery store. 
At No. 1409, in 1888, Charles Higgins opened a saloon and res- 
taurant, this venture lasting but a short time, as he went broke. 
Numerous other parties thereafter engaged in various lines of bus- 
iness in that building, but for one reason or another they were but 
short lived. In 1898 the present occupants rented the building 
for a saloon, which is known as the "Budweiser" and owned by 
Wm. Nestlehouse, but the name should be the "Palace," as it is 
the political home of the Political King of Douglas County, the 
man who holds the destiny of both the democratic and repub- 
lican parties in the hollow of his hand. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 167 

On the southeast corner of Fifteenth Street stands the Kar- 
bach Block, erected by Charles Karbach in 1887, It is an office 
and store building of six stories. This corner was, from 1888 to 
1898, occupied by C. S. Raymond, the jeweler, from which time 
the Ryan Jewelry Company has rented it. The German Savings 
Bank occupied another of its stores from 1890-96, when it went 
into the hands of a receiver. From 1880-85 on this corner was 
located a two-story frame store and office building known as 
the "Bushman Block." Wm. Bushman during that time ran a 
drygoods store in the corner room. Many of Omaha's pioneer 
lawyers had their offices in that building, amoiig them being N. 
J. Burnham, Albert Swartzlander, Judge A. N. Furgeson and 
Sam Ballet, all of whom have passed beyond the great divide. 

On the northwest corner of Thirteenth Street in 1880 was 
the old Republican building, a two-story brick. The Omaha Re- 
publican, a morning paper, was issued from there. The building 
was torn doAvn in 1884, when the company moved to its new 
place on the southwest corner of Tenth and this street. On this 
lot, in 1885, was erected a three-story building, since which time 
the entire block has been built solidly with substantial busi- 
ness houses. At No. 1402 is located the old Fuller Block, which 
from 1883 to 1906 was occupied b}^ J. A. Fuller as a drug store. 
During the past eight years it has been used for a saloon — run 
by Jabez Cross. At No. 1404 is located one of the first picture 
shows in Omaha. At No. 1408 was the Duke Hardware store. 
It went out of business in 1888, having sold to C. 0. Lobeck, our 
present congressman. At No. 1410, T. J. Beard & Brother have 
had their paper and paint store since 1885, prior to which time 
it was occupied b}^ Welte & McDonald as a ready-made ladies' 
garment store. At No. 1412 is a saloon, which was opened up 
in 1886 by Fole.y & Dorst, but since 1889 it has been run by Tom 
Foley. 

The Continental Block, on the northeast corner, was erected 
in 1888. Prior to that there were a number of one-story frame 
buildings running as far east as No. 1412, one being occupied 
by a restaurant and another by Bunce, the hatter, and the corner 
by Owen McCaffrey as a saloon. 

On the northwest corner of Fifteenth Street is the old Creigli- 
ton Block, erected in the early '70s. For fifteen years the corner 
store was occupied and run by Norman A. Kuhn as a drug store, 
he retiring from the business in 1896. It was there that both 
Sherman and McConnell, Omaha's leading druggists, learned the 
business. There were a number of small frame buildings between 
that and the corner west. Most of them were torn down in 
1912 to make room for the Empress Theater, an expensive build- 
ing built that year hy J. L. Brandeis Co. of Omaha. 

The building on the northeast corner of Sixteenth Street 
was built in 1885 hv William Bushman for a store and office 



168 OMAHAMEMORIES 

building, the store being used by him for a dry goods store. The 
building is on leased ground, Bushman's lease having expired 
some years ago. In 1914 the ground and building was leased by 
Ex-Congressman J. L. Kennedy for a term of ninety-nine years. 

The Browning-King building, on the southwest corner of 
Fifteenth Street, has been used by the company as a clothing 
store since 1886. From 1879 to 1886 it was the drygoods store of 
Cruickshank & Falconer. The property is owned by the heirs of 
the late Lew Hill. The building west of this, No. 15,07, has been 
owned by Thomas Kilpatrick & Co. since 1890, at which time 
they started the present mammoth retail dry goods house. The 
two-story brick store at No. 1519 was built by A. j\Iartin, the 
tailor, in 1886. The lot was purchased by him in'^1882 for $12,000 ; 
I was present at the time and witnessed the payment of the 
option money. This proved to be one of the best investments in 
real estate of those early days. 

On the southeast corner of Sixteenth Street is the Brown 
Block, a five-story, narrow office building, Avith a one-store space. 
J. J. Brown built this structure in 1886. It was the first home 
of the City National Bank when organized in 1906. 

On the northwest corner of Sixteenth Street is the gentle- 
men's clothing department of the Brandeis Stores, which Avas built 
and occupied by that company in 1892. In February, 1894, the 
building was totall}^ destroyed by fire, and that year it was 
rebuilt and occupied by the same firm. The six-story brick next 
to it, on the west, is owned and used by Ilayden Bros, as the 
piano department of their store. It was built in 1906. On this 
ground for more than thirty' years stood the German Catholic 
Church and Parochial School. They in 1902 sold the property 
to the present owners, erecting a church the same year at Nine- 
teenth and Dodge Streets. 

On the northeast corner of Seventeenth Street is a three- 
story brick, formerly called the "Patterson Block." For years 
the second lioor was used as a dance hall and lodge rooms. The 
Central Labor TTnion at one time occupied rooms there. In 
]March, 1899, the building was partly destroj^ed b}' fire, but was 
soon repaired, since which time it has been occupied as a grocery 
store by Courtney & Co. 

On the southwest corner of Sixteenth Street is a seven-story 
brick, extending the entire length of the block west, covering the 
entire half of a city block, including the old Karbach residence. 
It is owned and occupied by the J. L. Brandeis Company, the 
four upper floors being fitted for offices. This building was 
erected in 1906. In 1882, on a part of this property facing Six- 
teenth Street, was a frame fashionable boarding house, which 
was moved in 1896 to make room for the elegant headquarters 
erected by the Y. M. C. A., which in turn gave way for the 
present structure. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 169 

Before going west of Seventeenth Street it might be of in- 
terest to learn how and when this street, from Seventeenth to 
Twentieth, secured its present grade and the difficulties incident 
to it, which occurred in this way : In 1890, when I entered the 
city council, that part of the street was in such a wretched con- 
dition that it would have been difficult for a jack rabbit to climb 
the hill. It was not graded because of a failure on the part of 
the property holders to agree to a change from the original estab- 
lished grade, which if permitted to stand, would prevent it from 
becoming a business street. One of the first ordinances intro- 
duced by me in the council was one providing for a change of 
grade on that street. It contemplated a radical cut, more so 
than I expected to be able to secure, my purpose being a com- 
promise grade. Pending the hearing on the ordinance I was met 
on Fifteenth and Farnam Streets by A, J. Ilanscom, who then 
resided on Nineteenth and this street. He engaged in a tirade of 
abuse of me, shaking his famous walking cane in my face and 
creating a regular scene, claiming that my purpose was to ruin 
his property. My only reply was that if he and a few other of 
Omaha's barnacles and mossbacks were carted out to Prospect 
Ilill cemetery, Omaha would soon be a progressive city. Finally, 
through the efforts of Dr. Geo. Tilden and Ed. Rosewater — both 
living on that street — I secured a compromise grade, the one the 
street now has, the street being graded in 1891, after which 
expensive business blocks took the place of both the large and 
small frame buildings that were located on the lots. 

These changes may be evidenced by the remarkable improve- 
ments that have since taken place, as, where formerly stood the 
residences of Henry Punal and Ed. Rosewater on the south side 
between Seventeenth and Eighteenth Streets, there is now the 
Brandeis Theater, a six-story office and theater building, extend- 
ing almost the entire length of the block. Added to this on the 
west end, formerly the Saunders lot, is the six-story Saunders & 
Kennedy block, used for offices and stores. While on the north 
side between the same streets, the entire block is built up solidly 
with creditable business buildings. On the northwest corner of 
Seventeenth Street, where, for years, lived Dr. Grossman in a 
two-story frame house, is now a five-story brick office and store 
building called the "Baird Block." The lots west of that are 
covered by brick stores. On the northeast corner is the Strand 
Theater. 

On the northwest corner of Eighteenth Street is erected the 
Fontenelle Hotel, an eight-story brick and stone building, em- 
bracing the entire half of the block. It was erected in 1914 and 
opened to the public in February, 1915. It is one of the finest of 
its kind in the entire west, and was built at a cost of $1,000,000. 
It was built by the Douglas Hotel Company, composed exclusively 
of Omaha capitalists, and is a thing of beautj^ and a joy forever. 



170 OMAHAMEMORIES 

On the southwest corner of Eighteenth Street the Nebraska 
Telephone Company immediatel.y after the grading of the street 
in 1891, erected its city and state headquarters, being a three- 
story building, and from time to time have been added other 
improvements, -which at this Avriting gives the company a front- 
age extending the entire block to Niineteenth Street, all of which 
is solidly built up with brick buildings owned and used by the 
company; on those lots formerly stood the old A. J. Hanscom 
and N. B. Falconer homes. 

The Omaha Club and the Masonic Temple are on Twentieth 
and this street. 

Dodge Street. 

Dodge Street was called after Grenville il. Dodge of Council 
Bluffs, Iowa, a man with a remarkable history both in military 
and civil life. lie was a noted civil engineer and figiired in the 
early construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. At this writ- 
ing he is in poor health at his old home in Council Bluffs and is 
in his eighty-second year. 

Dodge Street never built up very rapidly, it having shown 
little evidence of progress since 1880. ]\Iany of the old frame 
residences of that time have been converted into stores run on 
a small scale. The old landmarks on the corner of Eleventh 
Street are still standing. The one on the northeast corner, for- 
merly the Elkhorn Vallej" House, owned and run by John Witrich 
in the early '80s, is now used as a cheap lodging house. The old 
Third Ward school house on the southeast corner has been used 
as the police headquarters, police court and city jail since 1898. 

In 1914 a fire engine house was located on the northwest 
corner of Twelfth Street. A number of one-story brick stores 
were, in 1912, erected on the northeast corner of Fourteenth 
Street, on the ground where for years stood the Ilagedorn resi- 
dence. On the southeast corner stand a few one-story brick 
buildings erected by A. B. Iluberman in 1882. The Odd Fellows' 
Ilall at Nos. 1402-4-6 yet remains, it being the only old landmark 
left on the north side of that street to Fifteenth Street, the 
Union Pacific having bought all the ground from the Odd Fellows' 
Hall to Fifteenth Street, on which it erected, in 1910, its present 
sixteen-story headquarters building. 

On the southwest corner of Fourteenth Street still stands an 
old landmark, a three-storj^ brick. For years the third floor was 
used as a lodge and dance hall, known as Kuenne's Hall, and 
who of the many fathers and mothers in Omaha and other climes 
that have not danced in that old hall "I I know I have, for it was 
at a dance held there in 1881 that I met my wife for the first 
time. The other buildings to the west of this are ones that have 
been there since Heck was a pup — the old A. J. Simpson carriage 



OMAHA MEMORIES 171 

shop, dating back to 1865, and the Frenzer Block, on the south- 
east corner of Fifteenth Street, since 1881. 

On the northwest corner of Fifteenth Street stands the Mc- 
Cague Block, erected by the McCague Brothers in 1886, from 
which time until 1892 it was used in part by the McCague Bank. 
When the bank failed in 1892 it was taken over by an eastern 
syndicate and in 1912 was purchased by the Omaha Building and 
Loan Association, who are the present owners and part occu- 
pants. From 1879 to 1887 there stood on the ground an old 
frame building used as a livery stable and run by Jim McShane. 
The small one-story buildings west of it have been used for 
years for saloons and restaurants, except the Plunket Block, the 
upstairs of which is used as a hotel. On the northeast corner 
of that block and Sixteenth Street is the Neville Hotel, a six- 
story building erected and used for a hotel and stores. 

On the southwest corner of Fifteenth Street is the old Post 
Office building, used since the completion of the new one as the 
headquarters of the Department of the Missouri. No changes 
have been made in the rest of the block west of this. The 
Arlington Block, built in 1884 by John A. Creighton and a few 
other old-time structures are still there. The Union Block, on the 
southeast corner of Sixteenth Street, a narrow five-story build- 
ing, was erected in 1886. It is an office building, except the first 
floor, which for years was occupied by different loan companies. 

On the southwest corner is a small two-story brick, sur- 
rounded by Hayden Bros, mammoth clothing house — it is wholly 
out of place, and for years the Haydens have sought to buy it, but 
have been unable to do so. For years it was used by a building 
and loan company, but since 1899 it has been a drug store run 
by Sherman & McConnell. The balance of the block west is 
taken up by Hayden Bros., except the corner on Seventeenth 
Street, which is owned by Judge Neville, and is vacant. 

On the northwest corner is the Post Office, a beautiful build- 
ing, which occupies the entire block. Sixteenth to Seventeenth, 
Dodge Street to Capitol Avenue. 

On Seventeenth Street the Dodge Street hill begins or ends, 
as one would want to term it. There also ends, from a commer- 
cial standpoint, Dodge Street, and will remain so for future gen- 
erations unless the Dodge Street hill is cut down. 

Capitol Avenue. 

Capitol Avenue has long been a disappointment to the prop- 
erty owners on that street. In 1880 it was exclusively a resi- 
dence street, on which lived a very respectable class of people, 
some of them business men, others employees of the Union Pa- 
cific shops. Some of those cozy homes have been converted into 



172 O M A H A M E M O R I E S 

stores and others have given place to one-story bricks, peopled by 
women of disrepute. But few substantial buildings have been 
erected on the street since 1880, and none worthy of mention 
until one reaches Fifteenth Street, going west. 

On the northwest corner of Fourteenth Street, at this writing 
(1915) stands the Billy Sunday Tabernacle, with Billy in full 
charge. During his five weeks' stay in Omaha nearly 200,000 
people were admitted to this building, man}^ of whom were tem- 
porarily converted by Billy's persuasive appeals. 

On the north side of the street, from Fifteenth to No. 1520, 
the brick buildings located there were built in 1889 by W. R. 
Bennett, who occupied them until 1900, Avhen he moved to Six- 
teenth and Harney Streets, the place noAv owned and occupied 
by Burgess-Nash Company. This corner was the former home 
of Dr. 0. S. Woods. 

The south side of the block from Fifteenth to Sixteenth 
Street has undergone but one change — a laundry has taken the 
place of Charley Mentor's old livery stable. 

The Loyal Hotel, a six-story brick, is on the northeast cor- 
ner of Sixteenth Street and Capitol Avenue. It was erected in 
1908. The old Crounse Block, erected in 1883, still occupies the 
southeast corner. 

Capitol Avenue is the broadest street in Omaha, and before 
paved General ]\tanderson likened it to an unpaved prairie. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 173 



CHAPTER XLV. 

LARGE FIRES IN OMAHA. 

Fires From 1879 to 1916 (where the losses amounted to $5,000 or 
over), including the Grand Central Fire of 1878. 

Allen Bros. Co., June 17, 1899 • $121,000 

Avery Building, Tenth and Leavenworth, June 9, 1903 . . 27,000 

Allen Bros. Co, November 26, 1903 351,453 

Atlas Oil Company, June 24, 1909 17,000 

Asbestos Co. and Mid-West Cigar Co., Nov. 10, 1911 11,039 

Boyd Packing House, January 18, 1880 127,000 

Boyd's Lard Refining department, August 9, 1884 50,000 

Barker Block, November 5, 1886 .' . . . 44,000 

Boyd Theater, October 2, 1893 

Baurberger & Co., May 9, 1892 13,000 

Boston Store, February 3, 1894 175,000 

Balduff, W. S., eTuly 27, 1907 5,540 

Baldrige-Wead Building, June 17, 1912 5,345 

Churchill, Parker & Co., October 7, 1889 12,500 

Clark Coffee House, December 4, 1894 35,000 

Cady Lumber Company, January 16, 1907 5.430 

C, St. P., Minn. & Omaha roundhouse, April 14, 1911 28^800 

Creighton University, May 8, 1911 32,624 

Consolidated Tankline Company, February 5, 1889 12,000 

Douglas Printing Company, January 4, 1902 16,000 

Doup Manufacturing Company, December 5, 1904 16,000 

Dietz Lumber Company, August 10, 1916 130,000 

Davis, T. L. (barn), Februarv 28, 1911 8.492 

Davis, T. L. (building), July 31, 1911 35,400 

Dunning Hardware Compan}^ March 15, 1912 7,356 

Exposition Theater, December 4, 1894 125,000 

Eden Musee, March 6, 1892 10,000 

Fairbanks, ]\Iorse & Co., November 6, 1902 32.000 

Festner Printing Company, November 18, 1907. . 38,973 

Frederickson (garage), April 2, 1910 17,777 

Fairmont Creamery Company, October 30, 1910 105,936 

Fitzgerald, F. J., February 4, 1912 6,083 

Fanning & JMoise, January 10, 1913 5„093 

Grand Central Hotel, September 14, 1878 125,000 

Gibson-:\Iiller & Richardson, March 9, 1891 62,000 

Goldsmith Furniture Company, November 21, 1892 36.000 

Hill & Young, April 13, 1899 17,000 

Halden Bros., June 3, 1906 195,500 

Haney, J. H., April 55, 1908 •. 9,796 

Mrs. II. Hooper, U. S. Natl Bank, 16th and Farnam 

Streets, April 13, 1912 247.138 



174 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Howell Lumber Yards, April 29, 1891 10,000 

Ish & Co., Drugs, November 11, 1881 40,000 

Johnson & ^McLain, Planing Mill, February 15, 1907 .... 11.526 

Johnson & Bilz, March 31, 1912 5,660 

Kingman Implement Company, April 23, 1899 143,000 

Karbaeh Block, January 7, 1909 29,503 

Larkins, Dry Goods, March 13, 1890 11,000 

Logics, A. R., January 3, 1889 33,000 

Lininger-Metcalf Company, January 11, 1901 22,000 

Mills & McCormack, Julv 26, 1880 20.000 

Morse, A. D., February 16, 1884 30.000 

Meyer, Max, January 16, 1889 38,000 

Morse Shoe Company, October 13, 1894 70,000 

Mercer Chemical Company, August 9, 1899 14,000 

^lidland Glass and Paint Company, August 8, 1903 59.130 

Mercer Block (11th and Howard), January 28, 1905 447,290 

Martin (17th and Webster), June 28, 1907 6,900 

Masonic Temple, July 3, 1907 7,800 

Moline Plow Company, November 15, 1908 55,764 

Manev ]\Iilling Companv, April 3, 1910 75.000 

Millard Hotel, January 23, 1911 7,231 

Metropolitan Hotel, February 4, 1912 6,083 

Missouri River Lumber Company, March 25, 1912 51,000 

Mercer Building (11th and Howard), December 27, 1912. 28,366 

Metz, Charles and Fred (garage), February 17, 1913 8,029 

Mc]\Iahon & Abrams, Januarv 25, 1883 65,000 

Nash, Mrs. C. B., January 18^, 1909 16,319 

Nye-Schneider, Fowler Company, April 3, 1910 368,000 

National Lumber Companv, November 29, 1910 12.200 

Nash, Mrs. Ed., March 14, 1912 7^350 

Nash, E. W., April 24, 1912 23,570 

Nebraska Fuel Company. October 2, 1912 31,194 

Oscamp & Haines, September 16, 1889 12,000 

Omaha Rubber Company, October 26, 1891 20,000 

Omaha Planing Mill Company, November 1, 1890 10,000 

Omaha Hardware Company, March 27, 1892 125,000 

Orchard, Samuel, December 27, 1892 150,000 

Omaha Printing Company, January 5, 1893 41,000 

Omaha Tent and Awning Company, March 12, 1900. . . . 37,000 

Omaha Creamery Company, December 1, 1901 56,000 

Orchard-Wilhelm Companv, June 24, 1909 18,500 

Polick, A., May 31, 1889 27,000 

Patterson Block, March 21, 1899 8,000 

Pavilion, Hanscom Park, February 1, 1893 12.000 

Penfold & Co., October 26, 1907 18,931 

Paxton Block, February 4, 1908 5,532 

Poppleton Estate (-Tenth and Farnam), January 9, 1913. 5,948 

Prest-0-Lite Company, January 14, 1913 6,000 

Rosenthal Furniture Company," May 16, 1891 28,000 



OMAHA MEMORIES 175 

Reese Printing Company, August 6, 1897 25,000 

Reese Printing Company, September 12, 1898 62,000 

Rosenberry Planing IMill, January 17, 1907 7,100 

Reese Printing Company, August 24, 1910 6,772 

Root Printing Company, November 21, 1911 66,348 

Sloan & Johnson, January 1, 1887 30,000 

Shiverick Furniture Company, August 21, 1892 32,000 

Shiverick Furniture Company, June 3, 1893 

Street Car Barn, February 8, 1891 55,000 

Swift & Co., Ice House, June 5, 1907 13,650 

Schlitz Hotel, June 15, 1907 20,760 

Sunderland Bros., ]\Iarch 18, 1909 9,500 

Stroud Manufacturing Company, April 5, 1912 51,000 

U. P. Store House, November 26, 1902 15,000 

Undeland Barber Supply Company, June 8, 1911 23,000 

Vogel Realty Company, January 29, 1912 6,525 

Willow Springs Distillery, December 7, 1880 40.000 

Wakefield Lumber Company, June 25, 1893 55,000 

Western Tinware Manufacturing Company, April 6, 1911. 12,298 

Dewey Hotel, February 28, 1913 '. 47,000 

Atlas Oil Company, April 25, 1913 12,252 

National Refining Company, May 12, 1913 27,089 

Bell Drag Company, June 1, 1913 10,137 

Exel Grant (livery), June 9, 1913 5,850 

Tracy Bros., June 15, 1913 6,663 

Burgess-Granden Company, August 7, 1913 82,169 

Independent Harvester Company, September 27, 1913. . . . 9,906 

Prest-0-Lite Compan3% November 6, 1913 5,000 

Meyer Brookstein and others, January 6, 1914 14,589 

Louis Nash, March 23, 1914 28.961 

L. G. Doup, August 27, 1914 24^012 

Grossman & Goldstein, October 7, 1914 5,797 

Smith Brick Company, November 16, 1914 9,770 

Sherman-IMcConnell Drug Company, November 22, 1914. . 23,326 

Margolin Bros, (livery), January 11, 1915 6,109 

Omaha Board of Trade Company, February 16, 1915 108,399 

Omaha Water Company (Walnut Hill), ]\Iarch 15, 1915. . 9,306 

Mercer Building, June 15, 1915 11,995 

David i\Ielville, July 29, 1915 5,792 

In 1880 there were three fire stations and sixteen men (paid). 
The rest were volunteers. There were three hof^e wagons with 
four men each and one hook and ladder truck with four men. 

In 1915 there are 282 men, all paid, including the chief, as- 
sistant chiefs, master mechanic and secretary- of department. 

No fatalities from 1880 to 1890, though there were manj^ dis- 
astrous fires. 



176 OMAHAMEMORIES 

In 1891 Captain M. F. Carter was killed when a fire occurred 
in the Paxton Hotel, which started in the annex. Captain Carter 
was killed by falling walls. 

On June 3, 1893, Captain Chas. D. Cox, hose company No. 
7, and Fireman John P. Oury, same company, were killed at 
the Shiverick fire. 

October 2, 1893, Fireman Alfred C. Gyreum, hook and lad- 
der company No. 1, was killed at the Boyd Theater fire, Fif- 
teenth and Farnam Streets. His body was found in the ruins 
the next day. 

On March 24, 1899, in the New Patterson Block, Seventeenth 
and Douglas Streets, three women met death by jumping from 
the windows of the third floor to the street. The building was 
not badly damaged. I recall, as one of the dead, ]\[rs. Jake 
Shammel. 

June 18, 1899, at the Allen Bros, fire. Lieutenant Ruane, 
hook and ladder company No. 3, was killed when 400 pounds of 
gunpowder exploded. Ten others were frightfully burned, but 
not fatally. 

August 10, 1899. four men were electrocuted by having the 
ladder on one of the trucks come in contact with a live wire 
in the alley back of the Mercer Chemical building. These men 
were Otto Gesike, James Adams, Charles Hopper and George 
Benson. 

November 26, 1903, four men were killed at the Allen 
Bros. fire, which occurred early that morning. Death was caused 
by falling doors. Those who died were Lieutenant Burmeister 
and Firemen LeRoy Lester, H. C. Goldsborough and William 
Barrett, all members of engine company No. 2. 

William Flood was killed bv a horse falling on him Julv 13, 
1892. 

Eli King was killed by falling from a hook and ladder truck 
going to a fire on December 29, 1894. 

The chiefs of the fire department from 1880 to 1916 were 

as follows : John II, Butter, Jack Galligan, Riddle, Charles 

A. Salter, the present chief. 

In this connection it might be stated that the Omaha Fire 
Department is one of the most efficient and up to date of any 
in the United States. Much of this credit is due to Chief Salter 
and his able staff of assistants, coupled with a force of well 
trained and well disciplined, courageous firemen. 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



177 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

POSTMASTERS. 

Postmasters who have served in Omaha from 1879 to 191 (i: 

Thomas F. Hall, appointed March 16, 1877. v 

Charles H. Coutant, appointed July 9, 1883. 

Constantine V. Gallagher, appointed March 30, 1887. 

Thaddeus S. Clarkson, appointed October 1, 1890. 

Euclid Martin, appointed February 12, 1895, 

Joseph Crow, appointed March 11, 1899. 

Henry E. Palmer, appointed January 22, 1904. 

B. F. Thomas, appointed February 16, 1908. 

John C. Wharton, appointed February 28, 1912. 

Charles E. Fanning, appointed July 7, 1916, present incum- 
bent. 

Assistant postmaster, James I. Woodard, appointed June, 
1882, the present incumbent, in continuous service. 

ATTORNEYS. 



In 1880, upon my arrival in Omaha, I found the following 
named practicing attorneys : 



Geo. W. Doane 
Chas. A. Baldwin 
Geo. W. Ambrose 
N. J. Burnliani 
J. W. Savage 
John I. Redick 
C. S. Chase 
W. 0. Bartholomew 
J. I. Gilbert 
John L. Webster 
Geo. A. Pritchard 
Experience Estabrook 
John M. Thurston 



E. Wakely 
Simion Bloom 
Geo. B. Lake 
A. N. Furgeson 
James Neville 
General Strickland 
J. M. Woolworth 
Howard B. Smith 
T. W. T. Richards 
Edmond M. Bartlett 
Gen. John C. Cowin 
Richard Hall 
C. F. Manderson 



Chas. H. Brown 
Chas. Redick 
Albert Swartzlander 
E. F. Smyth 
W. J. Connell 
B. E. B. Kennedy 
J. J. O'Connor 
Watson B. Smith 
Gen. Geo. M. O'Brien 
A. J. Poppleton 
Henry D. Estabrook 
Clinton Briggs 



Of those, the only ones living and engaged in the practice 
of law today, are Connell, Webster, Cowin, II. B. Smith, Ken- 
nedy, O'Connor, Neville and Bartlett. 



Those who came since and have died are : 



Wm. Claire 
Andrew Bevins 
Chas. Ogden 
Gene Montgomery 
C. R. Scott 
M. R. Hopewell 
Martin Langdon 
Frank E. Brown 
Harry E. Burnham 
Chas. E. Clapp 
Louis D. Holmes 



W. C. Ives 
Herbert Levitt 
R. B. Montgomery 
H. E. Palmer 
W. S. Shoemaker 
Frank W. Wissels 
L. W. Launsbury 
I. R. Andrews 
J. A. Beck 
Clinton N. Powell 
Geo. Jeffries 



Jos. H. Blair 

M. S. Bouma 

Ralph W. Breckenrldge 

Otis Balue 

James P. English 

Jos. Carr 

C. J. Green 

John D. Howe 

Wm. Bowman 

Thos. F. Lee 

J. W. I3!ttle 



178 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



Chas. E. Morgan 
W. S. Poppleton 
D. Van Elton 
B. F. White 
J. N. Baldwin 
Chas. Offutt 
Wm. Stowe 
Herbert J. Davis 



Edw. R. Duffy 
Geo. Townsend 
C. F. Breckenridge 
Wm. D. Beckett 
John T. Gathers 
Frank Heller 
Judge Munger 



John M. Thurston 

W. R. Kelley 

W. A. Messick 

F. E. Munn 

W. A. Saunders 

C. H. Von Mansfeldi 

Max Kuhn 



Those now practicing before the Douglas Count}- bar are 



L. I. Abbott 
Jas. H. Adams 
Ray J. Abbott 
F. A. Agnew 
F. W. Anheuser 
Hermann Aye 
C. J. Baird 
Wm. Baird 
E. A. Baird 
Benj. S. Baker 
Arthur E. Baldwin 
John N. Baldwin 
C. H. Balliett 
A. K. Barnes 
P. J. Barrett 
Chas. Battelle 
John W. Battin 
W. L. Baughn 
Irving F. Baxter 
M. L. Beckwith 
J. E. Bednar 
C. F. Benjamin 
Freemont Benjamin 
J. A. Bennewitz 
Louis Berka 
Geo. Bertrand 
A. H. Bigelow 
T. W. Blackburn 
E. N. Blazer 
H. G. Boesche 
J. J. Boucher 
H. H. Bowes 

E. L. Bradley 
Thos. E. Brady 
J. J. Breen 
John P. Breen 
Mary Brennan 
Geo. W. Briggs 
C. W. Britt 

F. A. Brogan 
Clinton Brome 
H. C. Brome 
Narris Brown 

E. S. Brumbaugh 

A. F. Brungardt 
C. C. Buchanan 

B. G. Burbank 
J. O. Burger 
J. Q. Burgher 
Donald J. Burke 
E. R. Burke 



A. H. Burnett 
Wm. Burton 
Harry S. Byrne 
John H. Caldwell 
Jos. Carr 
W. N. Chambers 
Byron Clark 
A. S. Churchill 
Geo. Christofferson 
W^m. J. Coad 
H. E. Cochran 
Raymond T. Coffey 
E. A. Conway 
I. E. Congdon 
Herbert J. Connell 
W. J. Connell 
C. F. Connolly 
Jas. F. Connelly 
Julius S. Cooley 
Geo. W. Cooper 
John W. Cooper 
W. A. Corson 
Sam'l 0. Cottner 
Geo. W. Covell 
Guy Cox 
J. C. Cowin 
Thos. D. Crane 
Bryce Crawford 
Frank Crawford 
L. F. Crofoot 
Raymond Grossman 
Jos. Crow 
M. 0. Cunningham 
Thos. Curran 
H. S. Daniel 
Geo. Day 
L. B. Day 
W. A. DeBord 
W. H. DeFrance 
C. W. De Lamatre 
H. C. De Lamatre 
J. 0. Detweiler 
C. T. Kickinson 
J. T. Dillon 
W. A. Dilworth 
T. A. Donohue 
M. L. Donovan 
Wymer Dressier 
G. M. Drew 
F. W. Driscoll 
C. L. Dundey 



R. H. Dunham 
I. J. Dunn 
J. L. Dysart 
T. B. Dysart 
W. D. Eakin 
Fred Eastman 
W. D. Easton 
Willard Eddy 
Alfred Eggers 
W. A. Ehlers 

C. S. Elgutter 
A. G. Ellick 
Lee S. Estelle 

E. T. Farnsworth 

E. R. Ferguson 
W. S. Finlayson 
Harry Fischer 
Allen G. Fisher 

D. A. Fitch 

F. W. Fitch 

J. M. Fitzgerald 
H. B. Fleharty 
W. C. Flor 
Chas. E. Foster 
W. A. Foster 
Jqs. B. Fradenburg 
W. C. Eraser 
H. J. Freytag 
Chas. L. Fritcher 
W. G. Fuller 

F. H. Gaines 
H. H. Genau 
W. D. Griffin 
W. M. Ciller 
Geo. F. Gilmore 
S. I. Gordon 
Chas. A. Goss 
John Graham 
Jos. P. Gray 
Julius L. Greer 
A. W. Gross 

J. H. Grossman 
W. F. Gurley 
L. F. Hale 
Chas. Haffke 
L. L. Hall 
M. A. Hall 
C. W. Haller 
J. W. Hamilton 
H. H. Harper 

G. F. Harrington 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



179 



M. F. Harrington 
Silas A. Harris 
Vincent Hascall 
W. H. Hatteroth 
F. A. Bebenstreet 
W. C. Heelan 
Ames E. Henley 
R. E. L. Herdman 
W. H. Herdman 

C. E. Herring 
E. C. Hodder 

E. D. Hogan 
Yale Holland 
T. A. Hollister 
Geo. Holmes 
P. E. Horan 

D. Horrigan 
Richar<i Horton 
Wm. Horton 
Wm. J. Hotz 
Warren Howard 
John D. Howe 

F. S. Howell 

C. L. Hover 
W. W. Hoye 
Lyle Hubbard 
Richard Hunter 
Leo In'echen 

J. A. Jacobsen 
Wm. Jameson 
A. B. Jaquith 

A. W. Jefferis 
Chas. A. Jensen 
Alvin Johnson 
O. E. Johnson 
O. W. Johnson 
R. N. Johnson 
Will N. Johnson 

D. L. Johnston 
J. L. Kaley 
Carl C. Katleman 
Thos. J. Keenan 
J. E. Kelby 

J. B. Kelkenny 
C. B. Keller 

G. D. Keller 

B. E. B. Kennedy 
J. A. C. Kennedy 
J. L. Kennedy 
Geo. Keyser 
Guy Kiddoo 

W. R. King 
A. J. Kinnersley 
J. C. Kinsler 
A. L. Knabe 
Leslie Kranz 
John C. Kruger 
Ralph Kryger 

C. H. Kubat 
John Kuhn 

W. C. Lambert 
J. L. Lappert 
F. V. Law son 



M. L. Learned 
E. F. Leary 
E. R. Leigh 
Chas. Leslie 
A. P. Lillis 
J. B. Lindsey 
N. H. Loomis 
W. T. Loomis 
Carrol J. Lord 
J. M. Lovely 
Thos. Lynch 
Wm. P. Lynch 
J. H. Macomber 
J. Macfarland 
J. G. MacVeigh 
R. M. Madden 
Geo. A. Magney 
Loyd Magney 
T. J. Mahoney 
Carl Malm 
Fred Marconnit 
Chas. Marley 
Arthur Marrowitz 
E. M. Martin 
Paul Martin 

C. B. Matha 
E. K. Matson 
T. H. Matters 
Thos. Matters 
E. P. Mathews 
Henry Maxwell 
Albert E. May 
Geo. Meiklejohn 

D. W. Merrow 
Geo. Martin 
H. G. Meyers 
Henry X. Monsky 
C. S. Montgomery 
John A. Moore 
Harley Moorhead 
H. G. Moran 
John O. Moran 
W. T. More 

Ed. F. Morearty 
Nye Moorehouse 
Nelson A. Morgan 
Francis Morgan 
John F. Moriarty 

B. H. Morrison 

E. T. Morrison 
H. W. Morrow 
Edgar Morsman 
Harland Mossman 

F. A. Mulfinger 
Arthur F. Mullen 
John C. Mullen 
A. H. Murdock 
H. C. Murphy 

T. B. Murray 
H. A. Myers 

C. J. McCaffrey 
J. M. McCarthy 
Fred McConnel 



F. L. McCoy 
Hugh McCulloch 
Chas. McDonald 
E. G. McGilton 
P. E. McGovern 
Jas. McGuckin 
T. J. McGuire 
W. D. McHugh 
J. A. McKenzie 
A. A. McLaughlin 

G. F. McLaughlin 
J. G. MacVeigh 
Robt. Neely 
John Negley 
Robt. A. Nelson 
Elmer Neville 
Jas. Neville 

L. Ross 
T. J. Nolan 
Moses P. O'Brien 
J. J. O'Connor 
Jas. O'Hara 
T. J. O'Keefe 

D. J. O'Leary 
R. H. Olmstead 
Jas. L. Padrnos 

E. C. Page 
Arthur Palmer 
Harry Palmer 
J. P. Palmer 
A. C. Pancoast 
J. W. Parish 
R. W. Patrick 
W. R. Patrick 

D. C. Patterson 
L. O. Perley 

H. P. Peterson 
L. J. Piatte 
H. J. Pinkett 
Clifford Powell 
N. C. Pratt 
Geo. W. Pratt 
Jno. E. Quinn 
J. E. Rait 
Wm C. Ramsey 
Wm. L. Randall 
J. B. Randolph 

F. T. Ransom 
J. Rapp 

Anon Raymond 

G. R. C. Read 
J. H. Ready 
John Reagan 
0. C. Redick 
W. A. Redick 

E. S. Redick 
C. C. Redwood 
Edson Rich 

J. A. Rine 
J. D. Ringer 
M. R. Risdon 
A. S. Ritchie 
S. Robins 



180 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



J. W. Rogers 
H. N. Rogers 
E. J. Robins 
B. N. Robertson 
Hugh Robertson 
Jesse Root 
Halleck Rose 
Arthur Rosenblum 
Reno Rosenfield 
Stanley Rosewater 
W. R. Ross 
S. R. Rush 
W. H. Russell 
Wayne Sawtell 

B. W. Scandrett 
W. A. Schall 

J. M. Schaupp 
J. W. Schopp 

E. H. Scott 
Amos Scruggs 
S. A. Searle 

C. W. Sears 
W. G. Sears 
Carl T. Self 
I. W. Setz 

H. W. Shackelford 
Wm. A. Shaw 
J. A. Sheean 

D. H. Sheehan 
Geo. W. Shields 
Chas. Sheppard 
Roland Shields 
Robt. Shields 

F. A. Shotwell 
A. V. Shotwell 

E. W. Simeral 
Wm. Simeral 
S. W. Smith 
C. J. Cmythe 
W. W. Slabaugh 
L. R. Slonecker 



Edward Simon 
E. A. Smith 
E. P. Smith 
C. E. Smith 
H. H. Smith 
H. B. Smith 
H. S. Standeven 
Asel Steere, Jr. 
Will Sternberg 
W. G. Stewart 
W. S. Stillman 
J. F. Stout 
^. A. Sturgis 
Geo. Sugarman 
M. L. Sugarman 
E. D. O'Sullivan 
J. J. Sullivan 
L. Sullivan 
A. L. Sutton 
J. B. Sweet 
R. M. Switzler 
W. Switzler 
N. O. Talbot 

C. H. Taylor 

A. A. Tenopir 
L. J. TePoel 
Amos Thomas 

B. F. Thomas 

D. L. Thomas 
Elmer E. Thomas 
W. P. Thomas 
W. E. Thompston 
W. H. Thompson 
Arthur Thomsen 
Geo. Thummel 
John M. Thurston 
A. L. Timblin 

J. C. Travis 

C. T. Trimble 
A. C. Troupe 



G. M. Tunison 
Geo. Turkington 
M. S. Turner 
J. H. Van Dusen 
R. A. VanOrsdell 

D. M. Vinsonhaler 
J. E. Von Dorn 
Jos. Votava 

A. C. Wakeley 
W. F. Wappich 
J. D. Ware 

E. J. Waters 
John Wear 

F. L. Weaver 
Robt. Webb 
J. L. Webster 

J. W. Weingarten 
H. A. Whipple 
T. F. Wiles 
S. L. Winters 
E. M. Wellman 
P. A. Wells 
A. R. Wells 
Ralph West 

E. H. Westerfield 
J. C. Wharton 
Ray H. Wise 

F. H. Woodland 
J. W. Woodrough 

0. E. Woods 
C. C. Wright 
Carrol Wright 
Frank Yates 
J. W. Yeager 
J. O. Yeiser 
R. G. Young 
W. W. Young 

1. Ziegler 
I. Ziegler 

J. J. Zitnick 



THE OMAHA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY. 



Few, if any, enterprises in Omaha have grown more rapidly 
and had such a healthy and substantial growth as the Omaha 
Electric Light and Power Compan.y. It was my pleasure to have 
been an invited guest at the small banquet held in 1885 to cele- 
brate the opening up for business of this new enterprise. The 
plant was located in the buildii^g at 'No. 103 North Eleventh Street, 
and about twenty men constituted the entire force of the works. 
John Reagan, a suave and polished Irishman, was both the presi- 
dent and sole manager of this new enterprise. 

For some time the venture was not a paying proposition, 
which fact could not be entirely attributed to the management, 
as the use of electricity was new and untried in Omaha, and the 
people wholly ignorant of its great power and usefulness. The 



OMAHA MEMORIES 181 

company in 1889 was sold to the Thompson-Houston Electric 
Company, an organization more progressive and better financed. 
S. L. Wiley was chosen as the first president of the company and 
under his management almost immediately began to broaden the 
scope of its work and secure new business. As a result of this 
development a new and much larger plant was erected at Fourth 
and Jones Streets in 1889. The city council granted the company 
the right to construct a system of electric light conduits in the 
city of Omaha in 1902. 

The latter part of 1889 the company secured the first contract 
for street lights, providing for 100 arc lamps at $175 per lamp 
per year, this service being furnished the following summer. 

In the month of May, 1890, the first motor was connected to 
its lines for operating a printing press, the capacity of the motor 
being three horsepower. Power was then sold on a straight rate 
basis, lighting service furnished on a meter basis and the maxi- 
mum rate was 23 cents per kilowatt hour. At that time there 
were fewer than 100 customers:. Today there are 27,000 cus- 
tomers, with energy exceeding 25,000 horsepower in connected 
motors. 

In 1903 the name of the company was changed to the Omaha 
Electric Light and Power Company. With the change in name 
also came a change in the management, Fred A. Nash being made 
president of the new company. In 1906 the city council of Omaha 
submitted to the people a proposition to vote an issue of bonds 
for the purchase of the properties owned by the company. The 
measure was voted on, but had few supporters and was over- 
whelmingly defeated. 

On the death of Mr. Nash in 1914 he was succeeded by Gen. 
George H. Harries, who, like his predecessor, soon won the respect 
and good- will of the people of Omaha, for fair dealing and an 
ardent desire to satisfy the wants of the people. He is at pres- 
ent the president of the company, and is loved and respected 
by the many employees of this enormous concern. 

H. A. Holdrege, general manager of the company since Jan- 
uary 1, 1904, is the son of G. W. Holdrege, manager of the Bur- 
lington railroad for the past forty years. He received his early 
education in Omaha and for seven years was connected with the 
Chicago Telephone Company, having reached the position of dis- 
trict manager at the time he resigned. Just prior to assuming his 
present position, he was manager of the Citizens Gas and Elec- 
tric Company of Council Bluffs. 

One of the oldest employees, in point of service, in the com- 
pany is S. E. Schweitzer, who has been continuously connected 
with the office management since 1889, during most of which 
time he has occupied his present position as secretary-treasurer. 



182 OMAHAMEMORIES 

I. B. Zimiuau, contract agent, became connected with the 
company in June, 1902. He has devoted practically all of his 
time toward a development of the field for new uses of electric 
service, involving many extensions of the company's line, all 
of which contributed in a general way to the rapid development 
of the city's progress. He has been responsible, from time to 
time in the past, for. the bringing of a number of new enterprises 
to Omaha. 

In this connection I am pleased to be in a position to truth- 
fully and knowingly state that this is one of the very few, if not 
the only, public service corporation in Omaha that has never 
meddled in politics, or sought to dictate the selection of our pub- 
lic officials, or control their action in matters in which the interest 
of the company was at stake. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 183 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF OMAHA. 

In 1880 the police force of Omaha consisted of eighteen patrol- 
men and a chief, then called city marshal, who at that time was 
Ben Westerdahl. There were no patrol wagons or patrol boxes, 
prisoners being led from the place of arrest to the then station in 
the basement of the old Court House, where now stands the Pax- 
ton Block. All policemen, including the marshal, were appointed 
by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council, it 
being no unusual thing to have an entire new police force fol- 
lowing the election of a new mayor and council, as the police 
force was the reward of the faithful ward heelers, regardless of 
physical, intellectual or moral fitness for the position; in fact, ii 
was but a political football. 

This condition of things continued until May, 1887. The 
legislature of that year having amended the city charter so as to 
create a board of fire and police commissioners for this city, placed 
the appointive power in the hands of the governor. This com- 
mission consisted of three citizens of Omaha, and presumably non- 
partisan. Governor Thayer appointed as the first commissioners 
George I. Gilgert, Howard B. Smith and L. M. Bennett. On con- 
vening, the board formulated its rules, and from the old regime 
selected and retained the following names : Dutf Green, captain ; 
Al. McCracken, detective ; S. D. Osborne, patrol driver, and the 
following as patrolmen : John Savage, Frank Walker, Dan Mc- 
Bride, George Rayworth, George Mahew, Al. Ward, Mike Kis- 
sane, Toney Vanous, P. F. Havey, Ed. Scanlan, and later on, 
W. S. Seavey as chief of police. The following were dismissed 
from the force : Dan Kennedy, Dan Shannahan, Tom Pieronette, 
J. J. Donovan, Jim Boyle, Pat Gilligan, Dick Burdish and Jerry 
'Grady. In addition to the first named, a number of others 
were retained. The cit}^ council refused to recognize the new 
board or to place the names of those selected on the payroll. The 
ones dismissed by the board would not give up their key or 
star, but reported regularly for duty. The Evening World, 
through its owner, Gilbert M. Hitchcock, took up the fight in 
behalf of the board, and a number of citizens contributed the 
sum of $25,000, placing it in McCague's Bank, from which the 
board's appointees should receive their pay pending a hearing 
on the legal status of the controversy. On July 31, 1887, the 
officers who had been refused their pay by the council employed 
W. J. Connell as their attorney and instituted suit in the justice 
court of Gustave Anderson. After some parley on the part of 
John L. Webster, city attorney, and Mr,. Connell, Mr. Webster 
confessed judgment and the council allowed the men's pay and 
recognized the board. The discharged men who had for two 



184 OMAHAMEMORIES 

months been steadil.y reporting for duty received no pay. During 
the first five years of the governor-appointed fire and police board 
our police and fire department attained an efficiency never 
equaled in its history. The men were appointed and promoted 
because of their qualifications and through no political pull or 
their subserviency to the financial and personal interests of the 
Powers That Be. 

The demoralization of this department began in 1893, when 
the legislature of that session passed what Avas known as the 
"Churchill Bill," taking the appointive power out of the hands 
of the governor and vesting it in the secretary of state, attorney 
general and land commissioner, who appointed Paul Yanderfort, 
P. W. Burkhauser and J. B. Foster. Yanderfort and Burkhauser 
had arrived at that stage where they became political discards, 
each filled with venom and spleen. Mr. Foster gave little or 
none of his time to the board's atfairs, his position as superintend- 
ent of Swift's Packing House requiring his sole attention. That 
board did more to sow the se»eds of dissension in this department 
than any other agency in its history. Capable officers were de- 
moted and incompetent ones promoted for no other reasons 
than that of satisfying the Avhims of an incompetent board. This 
board was succeeded hy a number of others, some of whom cor- 
rected many of the abuses that had crept, in during previous ad- 
ministrations. 

Taking our police force as a whole during the past tAventy 
years, it would and does compare favorably Avith any like body 
of men in the United States. Abuse is and ahvays Avill be heaped 
upon the police of every large city, both by the press and the 
people, much of Avhich is unjust and unmerited. The average 
patrolman, if left to act on his OAvn good judgment, Avould detect 
more crime and couA'ict more laAvbreakers in one Aveek than he 
now does in one year. In this he is hampered and restricted by 
his superior officers, Avho in turn liaA'e instruction from those 
higher up to Avink at laAV violations. This condition of things is 
to be regretted, but it seems there is no relief for it, at least there 
has been no relief during the past decade or more, and Avhen a 
change will come God alone knows. Where the fault lies I am 
unable to say, for if one Avill take the personnel of the men on 
the present force you Avill find them to be capable, honest and 
efficient, in fact, good citizens. As to the heads of that depart- 
ment, AAdiere could one find men possessing these qualities more 
so than Chief Henry Dunn, Captains Dempsey and Heitfeld? The 
sergeants and detectiA-e force are all men of good repute and fully 
capable. 

As to the men constituting the so-called "moral squad," 
no fault can be found Avith them if left to their OAvn judgment, 
but the name is but a travesty on the Avord "moral." In my 
opinion the serA'ices of this so-called moral squad could be dis- 



OMAHAMEMORIES 185 

pensed with, and the men constituting it could be assigned to 
duties more remunerative to the taxpaying public. They are but 
spies to ferret out bootleggers, not with a view of suppressing the 
illicit sale of liquors, but "to locate them," for purposes better 
known to those "financially interested" — kind of Irish setters, 
as it were. In short, no police force is demoralized from within, 
but from without, not by or through the men that wear the star, 
but men in citizen's clothes, not officiality connected in any man- 
ner. 

Chief Henry W. Dunn. 

Chief Henry W. Dunn was born in Aurora, 111., in 1862 and 
came to Omaha in 1878. His first employment was that of a 
boilermaker's helper at the Union Pacific shops, Avhere he re- 
mained until 1887. He was then made paving inspector for the 
city of Omaha, which position he filled until 1891, when he entered 
the police department, having first served as patrolman. His 
rises were in rapid succession from detective to chief of that 
department. In 1912, on the death of Chief Donohue, he was 
made chief — the position he now fills. My first acquaintance Avith 
Chief Dunn dates back to 1885, in the halcyon days of the old 
Knights of Labor, he being a member of the organization and 
the assembly of which I was master workman. No. 2845. In our 
social gatherings he did all of the singing, a latent gift which 
he has since remarkably displayed on numerous occasions. He 
is a sociable, genial, companionable gentleman, who goes about 
his business in an easy, unpretentious manner, free from display 
or ostentation. He has discharged every duty reposed in him 
with the same degree of general approval as that of his record 
as chief of police is fully verifying. 

Captain Michael F. Dempsey. 

Captain Michael F. Dempsey was born in Pennsylvania in 
1857 and came to Omaha February 14, 1878. Upon his arrival 
he secured employment in the Omaha Smelting Works, remain- 
ing there but a short time, when he changed to the Union Pacific 
shops, where he stayed until 1883, when he left to work for the 
same company at its local freight office on Tenth and Marcy 
Streets. In 1885 he entered the police department and served 
as patrolman until 1888, when he was promoted to the detective 
force, having as his companion the late Chief of Detectives John 
Savage. He was made sergeant in 1899 and captain in 1912 — the 
position which he now holds. Captain Dempsey is a man of un- 
usually good judgment, a qualification which he has possessed 
during the thirty years or more that I have known him. He 
possesses the happy faculty of gaining and holding the confi- 
dence and good-will of his subordinates on the force, as well as 
giving^ general satisfaction in the discharge of his duties. 



186 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Sergeant Al. T. Sigwart. 

Sergeant Al. T. Sigwart was born in Missouri in 1855 and 
came to Nebraska and Omaha in 1874. He was appointed on 
the police force of Omaha in 1882 and has filled every position 
from patrolman to chief with honor to himself and the depart- 
ment. In 1899 he was married to an Omaha lady, Mrs. George 
A. Bennett, widow of the late George Bennett (former sheriff 
of Douglas County), Mr. Sigwart is now sergeant of the traffic 
squad, and looks the picture of health and promise of a long 
life. 

Captain Steve Maloney. 

Steve Maloney was born in Lament, 111., May 3, 1865. He 
came to Omaha with his parents in 1866, was one of the first pupils 
at Creighton College, having among his classmates Hon. E. J. 
McVann and Hon. C. J. Smythe of this city. After leaving Creigh- 
ton College at the age of sixteen, he secured employment with 
the Union Pacifie railroad as "call boj'" for train crews in the 
early mornings. His boss was that lovable old man, Harry Gilmore. 
At the age of seventeen he was given a job as switchman at $75 
a month. In less than a .year he was made foreman of a switch 
engine at an increased salary. He remained with the Union 
Pacific and Missouri Pacific roads until his appointment on the 
Omaha police force in 1903. His first assignment was that of 
patrolman. In the fall of that year he was appointed on the 
detective force, where he remained for four years. In September, 
1912, he was made chief of detectives, the position which he now 
holds. Steve Maloney has been a much misunderstood and a 
much abused official. This in a measure is due to the grave re- 
sponsibilities devolving upon the office of chief of detectives — 
his success merits no praise, his failures severe criticisms at the 
hands of an uncharitable press. Such, however, must be expected 
as it is the fate of every man in the United States filling a like 
position. Taking his record in this position as a whole, in justice 
to him it can be truthfully said that in the detection and con- 
viction of criminals his record will equal any man's in a like 
position during the same time in any city in the United States. 

Captain Henry Heidfeldt. 

Henry Heidfeldt was born in Galena, 111., in 1860 and came 
to Omaha in 1892. For two years he was in the employ of the 
Omaha Street Railway Company and in 1894 was appointed on 
the Omaha police force, where he served as patrolman until 1899, 
when he was changed to the detective force. In 1912 he was 
appointed junior captain, which position he now occupies. Mr. 
Heidfeldt is a quiet, unassuming man, who goes about his busi- 
ness without unnecessary display, never abusing the powers vested 
in him and free from that domineering trait usually exercised by 



OMAHA MEMORIES 187 

men in like position. He has an excellent record for efficiency 
and the exercise of ^ood judgment during his long service on 
the force. 

Michael Whalen. 

Sergeant Michael Whalen began service on the Omaha police 
force in 1881 as a patrolman. Having served well and faithfully 
in that capacity, he was promoted to sergeant in 1883. The de- 
partment was small at that time, there being but one captain 
and one sergeant. Sergeant Whalen remained on the force con- 
tinuously with the exception of one year, that of 1894, when a 
board of fire and police commissioners, composed of bigots, re- 
moved him. He was reinstated by the board following that, and 
remained on the force, retaining his official title, until retired 
on a pension in 1910, after which he paid a visit to his native home 
in Ireland, where he died in 1912. Mike Whalen, as he was called, 
had more deserving friends than any officer that ever wore a 
star on our police force. I do not know of an enemy he ever 
had. If he had any it was not his fault, as he was kind-hearted, 
gentlemanly, generous and frank — an even-tempered and efficient 
officer and a good citizen, and to this day he is pleasantly en- 
shrined in my memory. 



Patrick Mostyn. 

Captain Patrick Mostyn entered the police department of 
Omaha in 1883 as a patrolman. Having served in various capac- 
ities in the department, he was promoted to captain in 1891, serv- 
ing in that capacity, with the exception of one year, when he, 
like Sergeant Whalen, felt the sting of bigotry and was let out, 
only to be reinstated by the following fire and police board, where 
he served with distinction and marked ability until the day of 
his death, October 30, 1910, at the age of fifty years. I knew 
Pat Mostyn as early as 1881, and have always been proud of the 
fact that I assisted him in his effort to secure a place on the police 
force, for no more competent and capable man ever held office 
in all the history of that department. I have had many dealings 
with him in his official capacity, and it would not be surprising 
that I should, having prosecuted and defended in more criminal 
cases than any other five lawyers combined in this state, and in 
all my dealings with him I found him one of the squarest, most 
conscientious police officials I have ever met. I have never known 
him to manufacture testimony in order to secvire the conviction of 
an accused person. On the contrary, I have known him to give 
the accused every opportunity to assert his innocence. Patrick 
Mostyn 's official record will live in hallowed memory so long 
as we shall have a police department in Omaha. 



188 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



Omaha Police Department, December 31, 1915. 



Henry W. Dunn, chief. 

Arthur J. Shields, secretary. 

M. F. Dempsey, captain. 

Henry Heitfeldt, captain. 

Anton Vanous, captain. 

Stephen Maloney, chief of detectives. 

W. K. Marshall, desk captain. 

Andrew Pattullo, desk captain. 

Michael McCarthy, desk sergeant. 

Wm. E. Smith, desk sergeant. 

A. T. Sigwart, traffic sergeant. 

P. F. Havey, sergeant. 

A. J. Samuelson, sergeant. 

C. L. Madsen, sergeant. 
W. G. Russell, sergeant. 
E. B. Ferris, sergeant. 
P. H. Dillon, sergeant. 

W. R. Wilson, court sergeant. 
G. W. Allen, detective. 
Edward Brinkman, detective. 
W. T Devereese, detective. 
J. T. Donohoe, detective. 
J. T. Dunn, detective. 
E. X. Fleming, detective. 
J. K. Kennelly, detective. 

D. J. Lahey, detective. 

E. R. Morgan, detective. 
P. H. Murphy, detective. 

J. J. Pszanowski. detective. 
D. C. Rich, detective. 
Frank Rooney, detective. 
W. H. Shoop, detective. 
M. J. Sullivan, detective. 



C. H. Van Deusen, detective. 
H. J. Nielsen, humane officer. 
John Barta, special duty. 
J. S. Coffey, special duty. 
H A. Cunningham, special duty. 
Felix F. Dolan, special duty. 
J. J. Holden, special duty. 
Frank Williams, special duty. 
J. A. Heil, emergency officer. 
P. .1. Rinn, emergency officer. 
Oliver Farrand, motorcycle officer. 
L. G. Wheeler, motorcycle officer. 
J F. Byrnes, turnkey. 
Andrew Fahey, turnkey. 
J. T. Murphy, patrol conductor. 
L. S. Thrasher, patrol conductor. 
Thomas Reidy, desk officer. 

A. L. Troby, desk officer. 

G. C. Armstrong, chauffeur. 
J. M. Baughman, chauffeur. 
Harry Buford, chauffeur. 

B. F. Danbaum. chaufi'eur. 
Lee Fleming, chauffeur. 
Lester Warner, chauffeur. 

M. E. Anderson, traffic officer. 

C. M. Chapman, traffic officer. 
W. D. Carney, traffic officer. 
William Hudson, traffic officer. 
Julius Mansfield, traffic officer. 
S. D. Reigelman, traffic officer. 
Dennis Steaderman, traffic officer. 
V. J. Voboril, traffic officer. 
Philip Wentz. traffic officer. 



James Acton 
A. C. Anderson 
H. S. Askwith 

F. S. Aughe 

T. A. Baughman 

G. V. Belitz 
P. W. Bitter 
John Brady 
S. E. Brown 

F. F. Burchard 
J. D. Byrnes 
C. J. Caldwell 
Joseph Chaddock 
P. P. Coffey 
A. G. Cooper 
Herman Creal 
W. H. Cummings 

F. M. Dalton 
Frank Damato 
E. J. Delehanty 
J. J. Dudley 

S. E. Egan 

G. J. Emery 
Arthur English 



PATROLMEN 

C. P. Fimple 
R. E. Ford 
A. F. Francl 
Fred Franks 
William Good 
Frank Goodrich 

E. S. Goralski 
George Goss 
J. H. Graham 
P. T. Hagerman 
William Halterman 
H. L. Haney 
William Heald 
Nick Herbolich 

N. J. Hetland 
H. E. Jackson 
C. A. Jensen 
C. D. Kimball 
G. B. Knudtson 
Oscar Knutson 
W. J. Krebs 
Otto Lickert 

F. L. McCabe 
Alex McCleneghan 



J. R. McDonald 
John McDougall 
Andrew Malolepszy 
S. L. Morris 
William Murphy 
J. H. Neaman' 
W. G. Nichols 
T. J. O'Connor 
0. P. Peterson 
C. W. Pipkin 
C. M. Plotts 
A. A. Rich 
C. F. Rishling 
E. 0. Risk 
E. C. Robey 
M. P. Ryan 
Nick Sanko 
J. H. Schwaser 
J. W. Shean 
A. J. Sinclair 
E. J. Slizewski 
Rosco Smith 
Carl Swenson 
O. V. Thestrup 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



189 



G. H. Thomas 
Noah Tromas 
0. H. Thornton 
B. A. Thorpe 
Ezra Timm 



W. J. Turner 
Harry Ulmer 
J. A. Unger 
Joseph Vanderford 
Anton Vanous, Jr. 



L. L. Wade 
Charles Walker 
Charles Whalen 
N. D. Woods 
G. S. Wright 



Mrs. Ella Gibbons, matron. 



Mrs. K. Drummy, policewoman. 



South Omaha Officers Who Became Members of Omaha Depart- 
ment June 21, 1915. 



John E. Briggs, captain. 
J. H. Carey, sergeant. 
James Sheahan, sergeant. 
Michael Gillin, detective. 
A. J. Lipenski, detective. 



John Jackman, patrol conductor. 
James Grace, patrol conductor. 
Michael Corcoran, turnkey. 
George Stephens, turnkey. 



Joseph Ballew 
Michael Burke 
Bernard Cogan 
William Coulter 
Philip Crosby 
John Dworak 



PATROLMEN 

John Gaughan 
John Herdzina 
P. R. Hiatt 
C. W. Morton 
Joseph Potach 



Thomas Quinn 
John Scott 
Anthony Smith 
Frank Spear 
John Zaloudek 



190 OMAHAMEMORIES 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

DESTRUCTIVE CYCLONE, 1913. 

The most appalling catastrophe in all Omaha's history befell 
the city just before sunset on a beautiful Easter day, March 24, 
1913. About six o'clock on that Sunday evening a tornado 
swooped down on the city, coming from the southwest, and tearing 
a path through to the northeast from two to three blocks wide 
and four miles long. 

Starting in the best residence part of the city, hundreds of 
homes were smashed to pieces or broken to bits. Following the 
Avind as swiftly as thought fire broke out and in the twinkling of 
an eye homes of happy, prosperous people Avere turned into piles 
of blazing debris, from which dazed and crippled victims of the 
storm god's wrath were dragged by rescuers. Others were taken 
out dead. It came like a thunderbolt from a clear sky and passed 
so quickly that people couldn't realize what had happened. 

Street cars Avere blown from tracks and demolished while 
loaded on their Avay from town. The storm completely stopped 
all street car traffic, telephone and telegraph service and shut 
the city completely off from the rest of the world. Lighting 
service was also cut off, leaving the city in utter darkness. Mer- 
cury fell so rapidly that it was freezing cold before mornings 

The property destruction ran into the millions. From the 
southwest corner of the city to the northeast, the horror of wreck 
and ruin, death and devastation swept through the palatial homes 
of the rich and the tiny frame cottages of the needy Avith ecjual, 
complete destruction. 

It resulted in 185 deaths, to Avhich should be added 7 in 
Ralston and 11 in Council Bluffs; injured 350; totally demolished 
550 homes ; partially Avrecked 1,250 others ; 11 churches, 8 schools, 
a number of small stores ; rendered 2,500 persons homeless and 
destroyed or damaged property valued at $5,000,000. The people 
and the city soon survived the shock, physically and financially, 
and no trace of ist vengeance and Avrath is noAv visible. 

OMAHA DAILY PAPERS. 

Omaha has three daily newspapers, the Bee, World-Herald 
and Daily Ncavs, of Avhich I Avill class in the order of their senior- 
ity: 

Omaha Bee — Founded by the late EdAvard RoscAvater in 1871, 
haA^ng a morning and evening edition ; in addition it issues an 
eight-page Aveekly, used mostly for legal advertising. The Omaha 
Bee has ahvays been recognized as the leading republican paper 



OMAHA MEMORIES 191 

west of the Missouri, and one of the few of such organs in the 
west that stood loyal and steadfast to the nominees of the repub- 
lican national convention in 1912, over which its present editor 
presided as temporary chairman. The paper is published in the 
Bee building. The greater part of the stock is owned by the 
heirs of the late Ed. Rosewater, and the balance by Omaah parties. 
It is ably edited by Dr. Victor Rosewater, son of the founder, 
with Theodore W. MeCullough as managing editor ; has a daily 
circulation of its evening edition of about 63,000, and a circula- 
tion much greater for its Sunday edition. 

Omaha World-Herald — The Evening World was founded by 
Gilniert M. Hitchcock, now the senior United States senator from 
Nebraska, in August, 1885. In 1889 it was merged with the 
Omaha Herald, founded by Dr. Geo. L. ^Miller in 1866. It has a 
morning and evening edition. The stock of the corporation is 
mostly in the hands of ^Ir. Hitchcock, Mr. Henry Doorly, his son- 
in-law, and Wm. G. Crounse, his brother-in-law. This paper in 
politics is simon-pure democratic. It is ably edited by Harvey E. 
Newbraiich, and for thirty 3'ears has been published at 1410-14 
Farnam Street. Its new home — a palatial eight-story building — is 
in course of construction on the northwest corner of Fifteenth 
and Farnam Streets. Its morning circulation is about 70,000, 
its Sunday edition having a much larger circulation. 

Omaha Daily News — The Omaha Daily News was established 
in 1899. It is one of many newspapers owned and operated by 
a syndicate — the Scripps-McRae Co. — and known as the Daily 
News Publishing Co. It was first located at 110-112 South Four- 
teenth Street. Mel. Uhle, formerly of Omaha, was its first gen- 
eral manager. In 1907 it moved to Seventeenth and Jockson 
Streets, where it is now located in its own magnifieent quarters. 
In politics the Daily News is independent, yet an avowed cham- 
pion of prohibition, with socialistic tendencies. At its start 
Joseph Polcar was managing editor. He has remained steadily 
with the paper, and on moving to its present place he was made 
editor, which position he is filling with remarkable ability. The 
paper issues an evening, noon and Sunday morning editiom It 
has a larger circulation than either of the other two dailies, being 
somewhere about 80,000. 

THE AK-SAR-BEN. 

The Ak-Sar-Ben is composed of a body of live, energetic 
men who have banded themselves together for the purpose of 
advancing and promoting the interest of Omaha in particular 
and the state of Nebraska in general. 

It was organized in 1894, at the time of our worst financial 
crisis, when the entire west seemed to have been in the throes 
of financial ruin, coupled with repeated drouths. At the time 



192 OMAHAMEMORIES 

of its organization it was not the intent of its sponsors to make 
it permanent, bnt simply a slight, soothing tonic to entertain 
and cheer a depressed people. The experiment having proved 
such a huge success, it encouraged its promoters and stimulated 
their energies to the extent of renewed efforts, and upon a broader 
and more elaborate scale, in addition to maintaining its perma- 
nency. Each year its pageant, parade and carnival excels any 
previous effort and has assumed a proportion that has challenged 
the attention of the civilized world. As I wa'ite this article, I 
view its electric parade passing my window — with its magnifi- 
cent floats, typifying agriculture and horticulture and the fables 
conceived in the brain of Washington Irving in his story of 
Coronado seeking the gold in the province of Quivera — the land 
of gold. The time devoted by its members in the preparation 
of this great pageant is considerable, all of which is given gratui- 
tously and cheerfully. The work at the Den is usually started 
about the first of May each year, and from the opening to the 
crowning of the king and queen at the close of the festivities in 
October, is one continual round of pleasure, where sparkling 
wit, wet and dry humor, eloquence and pathos mingle in har- 
monious unanimity. May the annual visits of the king and 
queen of the province of Quivera never cease, and long live the 
Ak-Sar-Ben, Avhich when interpreted means, "Nebraska" spelled 
backward, and may the shadows of its founders, "Walter S. Jar- 
dine and Louis M. Rheame, never grow less. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 193 

CHAPTER XLIX. 
BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 

Simon Hoffmann. 

Simon Hoffmann was born in Wnrzbnrz, Bavaria, Germany, 
November 16, 1848, and came to the United States and to Omatia 
in 1872, where he was married to Miss Margaretha Gerhardt 
March 25, 1873. He died in Omaha January 5, 1891. Mr. Hoff- 
mann was for more than a quarter of a century a teacher of 
music and leader of bands and orchestras in Omaha, and was 
beloved by all who knew him. 

Emil Hofifmann. 

Emil Hoffmann was born in Omaha December 12, 1873, was 
educated in the Parochial Catholic Schools of Omaha, after which 
he attended Creighton College from 1886 to 1891. After school 
hours and during vacations he played in the bands and orchestras 
with his father, Simon Hoffmann, assuming the duties and re- 
sponsibilities of the father after his death and taking his place 
as leader of the various musical organizations to which they both 
belonged. He was married in Omaha August 12, 1893, to Miss 
Carrie Logier of this city. There were born to them three chil- 
dren — Emil, Clara and Margaret — all residing here and all pos- 
sessed of the family heritage, "lovers of music." 

Harry G. Cunsman. 

Harry Cunsman was born August 24, 1862, in Omaha in a 
log cabin on the old Port Redman pre-emption claim, known as 
Forty-eighth Street and Redman Avenue. He was educated in 
the Omaha public schools, leaving the same at the age of seven- 
teen to earn his own living. His first work was in the brick yard 
owned by Bailey & Hall, then located on what is now Twentieth 
and Clark Streets. In 1883 he was appointed railway mail clerk 
on the Union Pacific between Omaha and Cheyenne, Wyo., leaving 
this in 1887 to become deputy city clerk of Omaha, which posi- 
tion he occupied until 1892, when he then filled the office of 
deputy city treasurer of Omaha. He resigned that position in 
1904 to engage in the storage and brokerage business. In 1912 
he was elected county assessor and is the present incumbent of the 
office. His term will expire January 1, 1917. From this brief 
biography of Mr. Cunsman it will be seen that he has "made 
good," having struggled from boyhood to the present with but 
a grade school education, graduating as he did from the school 
of hard knocks. He was for two years deputy city clerk during 
ray term in the city council, and in this, as in every other public 



194 OMAHAMEMORIES 

capacity in which I have known him to serve, he gave universal 
satisfaction. He is a natural born maker of friends and has the 
happy faculty of keeping them. 

Dennis Cunningham. 

Dennis Cunningham was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, 
in 1843, and came to the United States in 1866, going direct to 
St. Louis, Mo. In 1868 he came to Omaha and engaged in the 
horse-shoeing trade, locating at the corner of Ninth and Farnam 
Streets, the then business center of Omaha, where he continued 
in business until 1873, then moved to Sixteenth Street, south of 
Dodge Street, where the Post Office is now located, remaining 
there until his property was purchased by Uncle Sam, since which 
time he has been engaged in the real estate business — at one 
time a partner of Thos. Brennan under the firm name of Cun- 
ningham & Brennan. In 1912 he retired from business, devoting 
his time exclusively to his private affairs. He was married in 
Omaha in 1869 to Miss Mary Winnehan. He purchased the lot 
occupied by him on the Post Office site for $1,400 and sold it to 
the government for $100,000. It is claimed the title to the prop- 
erty is still vested in him. He did the horse-shoeing for the gov- 
ernment for a number of years and enjoyed the personal warm 
friendship of Generals Litchfield, Miles, Crook, Howard and 
Stanton. He has the record of being one of the most scientific 
horse-shoers in this country. Mr. Cunningham is a big, generous 
Avarm-hearted Irishman, a noble, progressive citizen, ready 
and willing at all times to assist and encourage the young man 
with ambitions. He is apparently good for many years yet, so 
it is hoped by his manj^ friends. 

Louis J. Piatti. 

Louis J. Piatti was born in New York, N. Y., April 15, 1863, 
where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. He came to 
Omaha in February, 1890, and shortly afterward formed a part- 
nership with an attorney named Capeck, which lasted for four 
years, when it was dissolved, Mr. Capeck moving to New York. 
Their offices were in the old Creighton Block, Fifteenth and 
Douglas Streets. In 1910 he Avas appointed by County Attorney 
James P. English as one of his deputies, which position he held 
during Mr. English's term of office, has since served three years 
under County Attorney ]\Iagney. and is now serving under that 
official. Mr. Piatti has made an excellent record as deputy county 
attorney, having been engaged in the prosecution of some of the 
most famous murder eases in the history of the county attorney's 
office and has had marvelous success. He is a rock-ribbed, un- 
compromising democrat, was one of the organizers of the Jack- 
sonian Club of Omaha, and afterwards organized the Douglas 
County Democratic Club, now out of existence. He is at the 



OMAHA MEMORIES 195 

present time an important factor in the Dahlman Democratic 
Clnb. Mr. Piatti has never sought an elective office, but in 1896 
was one of the Bryan electors from this state and is groomed 
as one of the Wilson delegates at the April primary. He is a 
polished scholar, a linguist and genial companion, with few, if 
any, enemies. 

Henry C. Akin, 

Henry C. Akin was born in Yartansburg, Pa., August 19, 1843, 
and has resided in Nebraska and Omaha for thirty-three years. 
He was educated in Chicago, moved to Kansas in 1862, served 
in defense of the state from Indians and guerillas and became as- 
sistant adjutant general of that state. Lived in Leavenworth 
from 1867 to 1879, went to Sioux City, Iowa, as general man- 
Ager of the Northwestern Transportation Company, operating 
a line of steamboats on the Missouri River from Sioux City to 
Fort Benton, Montana. He came to Omaha in December, 1882 ; 
was in charge of clerical and financial affairs of Her & Co. from 
1882 to 1887, then became manager of the local offices of the 
Western Newspaper Union and later treasurer of the whole sys- 
tem. Was a member of the board of education for four years, 
one year its president. Went into the Post Office in 1900 and 
served until April 1, 1915, three years in the money order de- 
partment, seven years as finance clerk and five years as cashier. 
Mk. Akin was the head of the Shriners in the United States and 
Canada as their imperial potentate from June, 1902, to July, 1903. 

George W. Shields. 

George W. Shields was born in Scotland in 1854. He came 
to Omaha with his parents in 1863, since which time he has 
resided here. He attended the Omaha schools, graduating from 
the high school in 1876, shortly afterward entering the law office 
of General John C. Cowin, with offices in the old Creighton 
Block, Fifteenth and Douglas Streets. Was admitted to the bar 
in 1879. In 1883 he ran for the state legislature, but was de- 
feated by the small majority of twenty votes, by P. M. Mullen. 
He remained in the office of General Cowin until 1888, when he 
was elected county judge of Douglas County, where he served 
until 1892, after which he was a candidate for district judge. 
At that election he was defeated, owing to the tidal wave of 
A. P. A.ism. In 1898 he was elected county attorney and served 
two terms. I am in a position to speak knowingly of Judge 
Shields.' public record, as I had the very great pleasure of serving 
under him during three years of his term as county judge in the 
capacity of clerk of his court. I look upon those years as among 
the fondest recollections of my life, it being such a pleasure for 
one to have occasion to come in daily contact with a man so broad 
of vision, so pleasing in disposition and so honest and conscien- 



196 OMAHAMEMORIES 

tious as I found him to be. I have known personally every judge 
of that court from 1879 up to the present time, and while we 
have had many fine men who have discharged the duties of that 
office, yet 1 am confident of the truth of the statement when I 
say that none ever discharged their duties with less criticism and 
with as great a degree of universal satisfaction as did George 
W. Shields. As county attorney his record proved as creditable 
as was that of county judge. He is now engaged in the practice 
of law, having one of his sons as his law partner. 

Walter S. Jardine. 

Walter S. Jardine was born September 21, 1857, on a farm in 
Bucks County Pennsylvania. He came to Omaha March 21, 
1869, where, in his own language, he went to work for old 
Tom Murray for "nothing a day." After a short time of service 
with him, he attended the Omaha public schools for one year. 
As a boy in 1869 he launched a scow to build the piers of the 
Union Pacific bridge. He also hauled the water to build the 
B. & M. railroad from Omaha to Plattsmouth and carried the bread 
to workers on the Northwestern from Omaha to Blair, Neb. For 
five years he was engaged in the express business alone, when in 
1883 he purchased an interest in the Omaha Merchants Express 
Company', with whom he devoted his entire time up to March, 
1912, then attended to personal affairs until Maj^, 1915, when he 
was elected as one of the commissioners for the city of Omaha, 
a position which he now fills with distinguished ability as head 
of the department of public improvements. I have known Mr. 
Jardine intimately for thirtj^-four years. While a candidate for 
commissioner I wrote for the press some very strong letters in- 
dorsing his candidacy and predicted that in the event of his 
election he would display unusual ability. His record for the 
time he has served fully justifies my predictions. His term ex- 
pires in 1918. 

Dr. R. W. Connell. 

Dr. R. W. Connell was born in Schron Lake, N. Y., in 1859. 
He came to Omaha April 25, 1894, was appointed city physiciau 
under Mayor Dahlman June 6, 1906, a position he holds at this 
writing, and which he has filled with great distinction. Dr. 
Connell is ranked as one of Omaha 's very ablest doctors, has been 
and is now examining physician for many Omaha fraternal or- 
ganizations, as well as being the physician of a large number of 
this city's very best families. 

Joe B. Hummell. 

Joe B. Hummell was born in Yankton, S. D., in 1862, came 
to Omaha at the age of six months, where he has resided ever 
since. He was educated in the Omaha public schools. His first 



OMAHAMEMORIES 197 



work was that of a building contractor, and from 1897 to 1906 
he was street commissioner under Mayor Moores. In 1909 he 
was chosen as a member of the Omaha city council and in 1912 
he was elected one of the commissioners of this city and re- 
elected in 1915. During his term as commissioner he has been 
at the head of the department of parks and public property, a 
position he has filled to the satisfaction of the people. His term 
expires in May, 1918,. 

Benjamin F. Thomas. 

B. F. Thomas was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1862. He 
came to Nebraska in 1891, entering the law office of the late 
Judge Martin Langdon shortly after his arrival. In 1893 he 
formed a partnership with Carl Wright, which law firm was 
known as Wright & Thomas until 1900, when Mr. Thomas was 
appointed city prosecutor of Omaha by Mayor Moores. He served 
nine years as a member of the board of education and was for 
three years its president. He was state senator from this county 
in the sessions of 1905-7. During the latter session he introduced 
into that body the famous terminal taxation bill, Avhieh became 
a law during that year. On February 16, 1908, President Roose- 
velt appointed him postmaster of Omaha, a position he held for 
four years, after which he was city manager of the Woodmen 
of the World, which position he is filling at this writing. Mr. 
Thomas is prominent in Masonic and other fraternal organiza- 
tions. I have known him intimately from the day he came to 
Omaha, and am pleased to say that he has "made good." He 
has raised a large family and discharged with credit to himself 
and the public every trust reposed in him. 

Thomas Harrington. 

Thomas Harrington was born in Washington, D. C, in 1861, 
coming to Omaha by boat with his parents in 1866, landing at 
the foot of Farnam Street. While a young man,'' loitering around 
the Union Pacific railroad tracks he met with an accident which 
resulted in the amputation of one of his arms. He was in the 
employ of the Union Pacific road from 1881 to 1899, after which 
he was employed in various other capacities until 1909, when he 
became chief clerk in the city health department, which posi 
tion he is now filling very satisfactorily, 

M. L. Learned. 

M. L. Learned was born in East Vernon, Vermont, February 
19, 1866. Studied law under E. M. Bond at Northampton, Mass., 
for three years. Came to Omaha in July, 1888, where he entered 
the law firm of Kennedy & Barnard. This partnership lasted 
but a short time, when for years afterward it was known as 



198 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

Kennedy & Learned. In 1893 he married Miss Mary Poppleton, 
daughter of A. J. Poppleton, and for the greater part of the time 
they have resided in their beautiful home just west of Florence. 
My acquaintance with him dates back to 1877, on the Fourth of 
July, at Holyoke, Mass., where I visited during that year. I saw 
little of him at that time and place and never expected to see 
him again. I was, however, surprised one day when in 1888 I 
met him in the county court, while clerk of that court. There 
we renewed an acquaintance that will last so long as we both 
shall live. 

John C. Wharton. 

The life and successful career of John C. Wharton, postmaster 
of Omaha, is an illustration of the possibilities lying ahead of any 
ambitious young man who develops a determination to win. He 
was raised on a farm in Illinois, poor in the usual sense of the 
word, and attended the public schools. Later he entered college, 
carrying off the honors of his class, being chosen as valedictorian. 
Graduating, he opened a law office and during the first year of 
his practice was elected states attorney of Mercer County, Illi- 
nois, where he was raised. After holding this office for eight 
years, Mr. Wharton came to Omaha in 1888 and began the prac- 
tice of law, Avhich he continued without interruption until about 
four years ago, when he was appointed to the office of postmaster. 
He is regarded as one of the most successful business and profes- 
sional men in Omaha. His earnings were invested in large tracts 
of land, which have increased in value to such a degree as to 
have added materially to his wealth. When asked to state the 
secret of his success he said it was due in a large part to perse- 
verance in business pursuits, fidelity to trusts reposed in him and 
to the temperate and moderate modes of life which he has always 
observed, 

George A. Magney. 

George A. Magney was born on a farm in Sciote County, 
Ohio, in 1858, and Avhen eight years old came to Cass County, 
Nebraska, with his parents, where he assisted his father on the 
farm. He studied law in the office of Judge Sam Chapman at 
Plattsmouth, was admitted to the bar in 1882 and located in 
Papillion. In 1887 he came to Omaha, where he has practiced 
his profession ever since. He was twice nominated by the demo- 
crats and populists for judge of the district court, but Avas 
defeated. He was deputy county attorney under George W. 
Shields in 1902, and served under James English in the same 
capacity for four terms. Was elected to the office of county 
attorney in 1912 and re-elected for 1915-16. His family con- 
sists of his wife, two boys and one girl. Mr. Magney, in stature 
and general makeup, bears a striking resemblance to Abraham 
Lincoln, and is frequently called "Honest Abe " I never knew 



OMAHAMEMORIES 199 

Abe Lincoln, but from what I have heard and read about him J 
am confident that were he living he would not blush; though 
dead, his memory will be none the less revered because Mr. Mag- 
uey is his prototype. By reason of my long and intimate acquaint- 
ance with him, I might and could liken him to George Washington 
because I have never known him to lie. He has no enemies, or 
at least should have none, for a man of his temperament and 
noble, generous manhood is deserving of the love and admiration 
of both man and beast. He is a true, brave, courteous and capable 
man, generous to a fault and his record as county attorney dur- 
ing the past four years is beyond the criticism of the most fastid- 
ious. He is a candidate to succeed himself at the election in 1916. 

I George Holmes. 

George'' Holmes was born at what was afterwards known as 
South Omaha, Neb., on October 28, 1861, his parents having in 
1858 homesteaded 160 acres of land at that place, securing the 
patent for it from President James Buchanan. In 1883 the South 
Omaha Land Company purchased the land and erected thereon 
a number of the present packing houses in addition to platting 
it into lots, now completely covered with residences. The fam- 
ily moving from the old homestead to Omaha, he attended the 
public schools here and the Rathbvin Commercial College of 
Omaha. In 1888 he was elected justice of the peace and was 
re-elected in 1900, was admitted to the bar in 1891. From 1900 
to 1904 he served as clerk in the office of the county treasurer 
of this county, since which time he has been engaged in the prac- 
tice of law in Omaha. His family was among the first that I met 
after coming here. His parents were sturdy, honest, old-fash- 
ioned Irish, who braved the hardships incident to pioneer life. 
I am at all times delighted to meet Judge Holmes, as he is one 
of the very few people of Omaha with whom I can engage in con- 
versation in the Gaelic or Irish language, which he and I speak 
fluently\ He will be a candidate for municipal judge at the 
April, 1916, primary. 

Patrick C. Heafey. 

P. C. Heafey was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1857. 
Came to the United States and to Omaha in 1878. His first 
employment was as a laborer at the Union Pacific local freight 
house in Omaha. He was soon promoted to receiving clerk, which 
position he held until 1885, when he resigned to enter the under- 
taking business with P. J. Barrett, which firm was known as 
Barrett & Heafey and located at 216 South Fourteenth Street. 
This partnership lasted but two years, Mr. Barrett retiring from 
the firm, which was soon afterward known as Heafey & Heafey, 
P. C. and Morgan Heafey, brothers. This partnership is still in 
existence and doing business at Twenty-sixth and Farnam Streets. 



200 OMAHA MEMORIES 

Mr. Heafey served as a member of the fire and police board from 
1898 to 1901, was elected county coroner in 1910, serving two 
years. He is now, and for more than ten years past has been, a 
member of the governor's staff. He was elected a member of the 
Omaha water board in 1912, and is still serving in that capacity; 
is a member of a number of fraternal organizations and is very 
popular, as he has a happy faculty of making and keeping friends, 
is charitably disposed and donates much for that purpose. He 
was a loyal friend and companion of the late Count Creighton. 
I have a very warm spot in my heart for Mr. Heafey, as he and I 
worked together as receiving clerks for the Union Pacific for 
two years, he acting as one of the two "best men" at my wed- 
ding. He is yet in the prime of life and carries with him that 
smile that never comes off. May he live long. Mr. Heafey is 
married, but has no children. 

John A. Bruce. 

John Bruce was born in Fredericksburg, Sweden, in 1875, and 
came to America and to Saunders County, Nebraska, with his 
parents at the age of four years, where they settled on the bleak 
prairie. He attended the public schools in his vicinity until nine- 
teen years of age, when he entered the Luther Academy at Wa- 
hoo, graduating from there in 1896. After teaching in a country 
school for three years, he entered the University of Nebraska, 
where he graduated after four years. For a bief peiod he worked 
fo the Illinois Cntral road as track apprentice at Memphis, Tenn. 
From there he entered the employ of the Mobile, Jackson & Kan- 
sas City railway as resident engineer, having complete charge 
of forty-eight .miles of construction. In 1904 he returned to 
Nebraska and entered the employ of the Union Pacific road as 
assistant engineer on construction in Kansas, being transferred 
from there after a year's service to the position of maintenance 
engineer on the Wyoming and Colorado division, with headquar- 
ters at Cheyenne; from there to the "Moffat line" in Colorado 
in the capacity of assistant engineer on construction, in 1907 
he moved to Omaha and entered the employ of the city, taking 
the position of engineer in charge of paving and sewers, remain- 
ing there until 1911, when he resigned and went into private 
practice. In August, 1915, he was appointed city engineer of 
Omaha, which position he now holds and fills Avith honor and 
distinction. He was elected a member of the Society of American 
Engineers in 1910. He was married in 1905 and has tAvo children. 

John Groves. 

John Groves was born in Ireland and came to the United 
States and to Omaha in 1867. Shortly after arriving here he 
secured employment with the Union Pacific road as a clerk in 



OMAHAMEMORIES 201 

the master mechanic's office at the shops of that road in Omaha, 
which position he held until 1886, when he resigned to accept the 
office of deputy county treasurer of Douglas County under Henry 
Bolln. He remained there until 1890, when he was appointed 
city clerk, holding this appointive position for two years. When 
the office became elective he was elected for two years. 
He died in 1896, survived by his wife and two daughters. John 
Groves was a loyal, reliable, patriotic American, true to his fam- 
ily, his God, his country and his friends, yet a lover of his native 
land, a hater of oppression and tyranny and a sworn avenger of 
Ireland's wrongs. 



Joseph W. Woodrough. 

Joseph W. Woodrough was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 
29, 1875, and educated at Dresden, Germany. He came to Omaha 
in 1893 and entered the law office of his uncle, Wra^. D. Beckett, 
where he spent one year. Leaving here that year, he went to 
Ward County, Texas, where he was shortly afterward elected 
county judge at the age of twenty-two. In 1897 he returned to 
Omaha and engaged in the practice of law, and in 1899 he formed 
a partnership with Wm. F. Gurley and Ralph W. Breckenridge, 
the law firm being known as Brekenridge, Gurley & Woodrough. 
While a member of that firm he tried single-handed many civil 
and criminal cases that won for him a statewide reputation. In 
1902 he was the democratic candidate for county judge of Doug- 
las County, but was defeated by Charles Leslie, now judge of the 
District Court. In the campaign of 1912 he worked and organized 
day and night for the election of Woodrow Wilson for president. 
He is one of the most agreeable lawyers that I have ever opposed 
in the trial of a lawsuit, being pleasant and agreeable, both to 
the court and the opposing counsel. He is an able lawyer and 
had his party been in the majority in this district, he would long 
since have been on the district bench. 



Patrick Ford. 

Patrick Ford was born in Sligo, Ireland, May 12, 1841, and 
came to Omaha in 1877. He worked for two years at the Union 
Pacific shops, was appointed on the police force by Mayor James 
E. Boyd in 1881, serving two years in that capacity. In 1884 
he was elected a member of the Omaha city council from the 
Third ward, serving continuously until 1891, when he retired 
to enter the hotel business. He served one term in th-e Nebraska 
legislature. I knew him from 1880 to the time of his death, both 
in private and public life, he serving one year in the council at 
the time I did, and I found him to be a man of unquestionable 
honesty. He died in 1904, survived by a son and daughter. 



202 O M A H A M E M O R I E S 

Thomas J. Flynn. 

Thos. J. Flynn was born in Thorton, Mass., May 8, 1870, 
coming: to Omaha in 1876 with his parents. He was educated in 
the Omaha grade schools and at Creighton College, after which 
he learned the plumbing trade, to which he devoted about eight 
years of his life. Entering politics, he soon forced himself to 
the front. In 1900 he was appointed deputy sheritf under John 
Power, serving in that capacity until 1902, when he was appointed 
jailer of Douglas County, which place he filled until 1906, when 
he ran for the office of sherift", but was defeated by John Mc- 
Donald. In 1907 he Avas appointed by Mayor Dahlman as street 
commissioner of this city, where he served until 1913, when Mayor 
Dahlman appointed him city clerk of Omaha, being confirmed 
by the city commissioners. This position he held until Septem- 
ber, 1915, when he was appointed United States marshal of this 
state by the president for a period of four years. He conducted 
IMayor Dahlman 's campaign each of the four times he was a 
candidate for mayor and when he ran for governor of this state. 
Tom Flynn has a happy faculty of making friends, as he is genial 
and companionable, possessing a superabundance of that Irish 
blarney which goes to make up a successful political leader. He 
has made good in every department in which he has embarked. 



Sands F, Woodbridge. 

Sands F. AVoodbridge was born on a farm near Binghampton, 
N. Y., and was educated in the public schools of that city, com- 
ing to Omaha in 1879, where he secured employment as a reporter 
on the Omaha Herald, became city editor of that paper one year 
later and remained there until 1885, when he left to join fortunes 
with the World, then started by Hon. G. M. Hitchcock, Avhere 
he was made city editor and also city editor of the consolidated 
papers Avhen ]\lr. Hitchcock bought the Herald in 1889, which 
position he held for a score of years and is still connected with 
that paper. He is married and has five children. I first formed 
INIr. Woodbridge's acquaintance in 1884 during the presidential 
campaign of that year. I had made a number of political speeches 
then in support of the democratic ticket. He, being on the 
democratic Herald, was assigned the duty of reporting all the 
local meetings held by that party during the campaign. He was 
at my wedding as an invited guest, participated in all the enter- 
tainment of that occasion and wrote every detail of it for his 
paper. While nearly a third of a century has elapsed since our 
first meeting, yet time has never faded the high esteem in which 
I hold Sands Woodbridge, nor do I think it ever will so long 
as we both shall live. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 203 

Patrick Dufify. 

Patrick Duffy was born in Ireland in 1859 and came to the 
United States and to Omaha in June of 1879. His first employ- 
ment was with the Union Pacific railroad at its Omaha shops. 
Leaving that department in 1882, he entered the grocery business 
at Sixteenth and Webster Streets with Richard Downey under 
the firm name of Downey & Duffy, which partnership terminated 
in 1883, when he entered the wholesale liquor business, having 
as a partner Peter Connelly. In 1889 he started a wholesale and 
retail cigar business at 1619 Farnam Street and at 315 South 
Fifteenth Street, a business in which he is still engaged in addi- 
tion to the undertaking business under the firm name of Duffy 
& Johnson. Mr. Duffy was married in 1885 and has three chil- 
dren. I have long held a warm spot in my heart for him, as he 
was one of the "best men" at my Avedding, P. C. Heafey being 
the other,. His reputation for honest and fair dealing has won 
for him the admiration and respect of all who have known him 
during his long residence in Omaha. 



Josiali B. Rediield. 

Josiah B. Redfield was born in Cavendish, Vermont, May 14, 
1829. He came to Omaha in September, 1866, and for a number 
of years was engaged in the printing business here. For years 
the Redfield legal blanks were the standard in all the courts of 
this state. Mr. Redfield served as councilman-at-large from 1883 
to 1885 and made an excellent record during his term of office. 
He was the father of Mel, who served two terms as county clerk ; 
Jos. B., of the printing firm of Klopp, Bartlett & Co., and Jennie 
L., one of the most capable principals that ever served in oui* 
public schools. She is now and for years has been principal at 
the Castelar school. Mr. Redfield died October 31, 1901. 

Thomas Lynch. 

Thomas Lynch was born in Frontier County, Nebraska, in 
1885 ; educated in the Omaha public schools, graduated from 
Creighton College in 1904 and the Georgetown Law School, Wash- 
ington, D, C, in 190^. His father, the late Thos. Lynch of Hyan- 
nis. Neb., was well known to Omaha's old settlers back in the 
early '70s, when he aided in the construction of the "Overland 
Route." Mr. Lynch has practiced law in Omaha since 1908 and 
is ranked as one of the ablest as well as one of the most popular 
members of the Omaha bar. He was married to Frances, daughter 
of Mary Millet McCreary, one of Omaha's earliest settlers. They 
have three children. He i».a prominent member of the Knights 
of Columbus. 



204 OMAHAMEMORIES 

R. B. Howell. 

R. B. Howell was born in Adrian, Michigan, in 1864. Was 
educated in the public schools and left Adrian High School for 
Annapolis, entering in 1881 and graduating with the class of 
1885. Resigned from the naval service two years later and 
entered upon the practice of his profession — civil engineering. 
Began his activities as an engineer in Detroit, Mich., and came 
to Omaha in 1888 as an engineer for the American Water Works 
Company of Illinois. AVas an engineer connected %vith the Omaha 
water plant until 1889, then owned by the American Water Works 
Company of Illinois, when he went into the business of engineer- 
ing and contracting for himself. Served as the first state engi- 
neer of Nebraska, and while serving in that capacity in 1895 was 
tendered the position of city engineer of Omaha, which he ac- 
cepted. In 1896 he was appointed a member of the board of 
visitors of the United States Naval Academy by President Cleve- 
land. Terminated service as city engineer in 1897. Re-entered 
the navy in 1898 during the Spanish-American war. Served 
throughout as a lieutenant in the West Indian campaign. At 
the close of the war re-entered his profession of civil engineering ; 
subsequently in 1900 became interested in the real estate and 
insurance business of Carter & Howell and latterly known as R. 
Beecher Howell & Co. Was elected to the state senate in 1902. 
As a member of the senate in 1903 secured the passage of the 
so-called compulsory purchase water works bill. Was chosen 
member of the water board in 1904 to succeed Guy C. Barton, re- 
signed. Was beaten in the primaries in the fall of 1904 to suc- 
ceed himself as a member of the water board, but was subse- 
(luently re-elected in 1910 as a member of the board. In 1911 
was chosen republican national committeeman in a statewide 
primary. In the same year was appointed Avater commissioner 
of Omaha. In 1918 secured the passage of the Metropolitan Water 
District bill and was subsequently appointed general manager of 
the Metropolitan Water District of Omaha. In 1914 Avas repub- 
lican nominee for governor of Nebraska and w^as defeated. In 
1915 secured the passage by both branches of the legislature of 
a bill enabling the Metropolitan Water District to go into the 
electric lighting business, but the bill was vetoed by the governor. 
Will in 1916 be a candidate for re-election as republican national 
committeeman, and also candidate to succeed himself as a mem 
ber of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District 
of the city of Omaha. 

John Power. 

John Power was born in Ireland and came to Omaha in 1873. 
He is a cooper by trade and for a number of years worked in 
Omaha at the Willow Springs Distilling Company. In 1882 he 
started a shop of his own and soon built up an extensive busi- 



OMAHA MEMORIES 205 

ness. In 1900 he was elected sheriff of Douglas County, succeed- 
ing himself in 1892 and 1894. After retiring from the sheriff's 
office, he entered the retail coal business which, in addition to his 
cooperage, he is conducting at this writing (1915). He is known 
as "Honest John," a title which he justly deserves, as all who 
have come in contact with him, either as a private citizen or a 
public official, can fully substantiate. lie made one of the best 
sheriffs that Douglas County ever had. 

Henry Newcomb. 

Henry Newcomb was born in New England of old Puritan 
stock. He came to Omaha in 1862, and for years was in the 
employ of the government. He was ward assessor for several 
years and was the first democrat to carry the Seventh ward for 
any office — this was for assessor. He was well and favorably 
known to all the old settlers of Omaha. He died October 10, 
1901, leaving one son, Henry, and two daughters, Julia and Emma, 
who for years have been teaching in our public schools and are 
classed as excellent teachers. 

Maj. Robert S. Wilcox. 

Robert S. Wilcox was born in Bath, N. Y., April 6, 1845, 
and came to Omaha in 1887. Was for a number of years man- 
ager for Browning, King & Co. of this city. In 1911 he retired 
from business, but still continues "his activities in several com- 
mercial bodies in which he has interests. Major Wilcox still 
possesses that military carriage which for years has made him 
a conspicuous figure on our streets. Father Time appears to 
have been very generous to him, as he possesses an appearance 
more youthful than many men half his age. 

Charles A. Goss. 

Charles A. Goss was born in Ohio in 1864, and came to 
Omaha in 1886, where he practiced law for twenty-eight years. 
Served in the legislature of 1893 and was United States attorney 
for Nebraska, 1906 to 1910, when he again resumed his private 
practice of law, and for more than five years has been a mem- 
ber of the firm of Switzler, Goss & Switzler. I have known Mr. 
Goss since the first week he arrived in Omaha, and have watched 
his public and private career during all of that time, and can 
knowingly say of him that he is one of the most conscientious 
and upright men today before the Douglas County bar. 

T. J. Mahoney. 

T. J. Mahoney was born in Iowa in 1857. Studied law at 
Notre Dame College and came to Omaha in 1885. In 1888 he was 



206 OMAHA MEMORIES 

elected county attorney of Douglas County, and re--elected in 
1890. For a number of years his law firm was composed of T. 
B. j\Iinnahan, C. J. Smythe and himself. In 1896 Mr. Smj^the 
cast his lot with W. J. Bryan, Mr. Mahoney adhering to the 
gold standard. Mr. Smythe was elected attorney general of this 
state and the law partnership was dissolved. Mr. Mahoney is 
one of the most cool-headed painstaking members of this state's 
bar. His record as county attorney' has never been excelled in 
the historj'^ of this county, 

Martin Feenan. 

Martin Feenan was born in County West Meath, Ireland, 
November 11, 1840. He came to Nebraska and to Omaha in 
1867. Served through the entire Civil War, participating in 
some of the greatest battles of that memorable conflict. Being 
a marble cutter by trade, he established in Omaha in 1868 the 
first monument works in this city at Fifteenth and Davenport 
Streets, where he continued business until 1892, when he moved 
to his yards at 2220 Poppleton Avenue. His present location is 
Forty-eighth and Leavenworth Streets, where he is engaged in 
like business with one of his sons. The firm is known as M. J. 
Feenan & Son,. It is claimed that he has made more monuments 
than any man that ever lived in Nebraska. I once introduced 
him in a club as the man who had "chiseled out" more lies 
than any one man in America (he having made more monuments). 
Mr, Feenan is one of the most conscientious men I have ever 
met and is the soul of honor, truth and integrity — a monument 
made up of character that will last longer than any ever con- 
structed by his own hands. 

G. Fred Elsasser. 

G. Fred Elsasser came to Nebraska and Omaha with his par- 
ents on March 28, 1867, from Germany. The family consisted of 
his father, G. Fred, Sr., his mother and Peter E., Emma and Kath- 
erine. For a number of years the father ran the Green Tree 
house at Tenth and Farnam Streets and for years Fred and his 
brother, Pete, ran barber shops in various places in this city. 
In 1894 jMr. Elsasser became deputy county recorder of deeds un- 
der his brother, Peter E., and in 1900 was elected county treasurer 
of Douglas County, serving two terms, when he retired to private 
life and engaged in the barber business with his brother, Peter, 
at 314 South Fourteenth Street. Selling his interest there, he 
entered the restaurant business, in which he is at present en- 
gaged. His brother, Peter E., has filled various offices in this 
city and county, having served in the city council from 1891 to 
1895 and, .while holding that position, was elected county re- 
corder of deeds of Douglas County. In 1897 he was elected 



OMAHAMEMORIES 207 

councilman-at-large and served one term of three years. In 1898 
he was elected county commissioner of Douglas County for one 
term of three years, retiring to enter the barber business, which 
he is now carrying on. The Elsassers are the most numerous of 
any one family in Omaha, or perhaps the state of Nebraska. This, 
of course, is not meant to leave the impression that all of the 
270 of the kindred are all of one immediate family, but in general 
terms when we speak of the Elsasser family. This is brought 
about through marriage and inter-marriage. From 1869 to 1874 
some six or eight families, cousins of Fred and Pete, came to 
Omaha from German}-, with families ranging from five to eight 
children. This, coupled with the fact that G. Fred Elsasser, Jr., 
had fourteen children of his own, may partly account for the 
present numerical strength of the family. Each Thanksgiving 
the relatives have a family reunion. It was mj- pleasure to par- 
ticipate in the festivities, the last one, at the German Home, 
where I mingled in a jovial crowd, ranging in ages from eight 
weeks to eighty years. I said then and repeat noAv, "jMay their 
posterity never grow less." 

James Lynch, Sr. 

James Lynch, Sr.. was born in County- Kerry, Ireland, in 
1832. He located in Ithaca, N. Y., with his wife and family in 
1857. In 1862 the family moved to Omaha direct from Ithaca 
and lived for a number of years on the northeast corner of Four- 
teenth and Ja"ckson Streets, moving from there in 1865 to 1518 
Marcy Street, where on August 29, 1866, he died, his wife fol- 
lowing him a few years afterward. They left surviving them 
six children — Daniel, ^Margaret, Patrick, James, Minnie and Sue. 
Of these two have died, Daniel and Patrick. All of the family 
are given as follows : 

Daniel was born January 12, 1841, was a blacksmith and for 
a number of years ran a blacksmith shop in Omaha. In addition 
to his trade he was an excellent violinist and was in much demand 
in the early days of Omaha, when entertainments were given to 
men of prominence who visited here after the wai. General Sher- 
man being one of the distinguished guests at a reception given 
him in the old Herndon House. He was for a number of years 
located at the Rosebud Agency, at which place he died Novem- 
ber, 1890, and was buried in Omaha. He was unmarried. 

Margaret, born October 11, 1843, was married in 1865 to 
Thomas Cleary, who for years was engaged in the express busi- 
ness. He died May 29, 1870, leaving a wife and two children, 
Frank and Agnes. Agnes married John J. Hannighen in 1893 
and is living in Omaha. Frank was married to ^liss Mary Ilogan 
in 1899 and now resides in Chicago, after severing his connection 
with the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads, and is now 
engaged with the Great Western railroad. 



208 OMAHA MEMORIES 

Patrick, born March 9, 1849, was married to Ellen Fitzpat- 
rick in Omaha on August 7, 1873. He M^as for more than twenty 
years in the employ of the Union Pacific railroad as check clerk 
at the local freight office, was county jailer for two years — 
1890-91 ; was four years ganger at the Willow Springs Distilling 
Companj^ in Omaha under Cleveland 's first administration ; was 
government storekeeper at the same place from 1892 to 1906, a 
position he held at the time of his death, December 13, 1906. He 
is survived by a wife, three sons — James, Benjamin, William — 
and one daughter, Angela. His son, Benjamin, succeeded him in 
his position at the time of his death. William is an attorney, 
James an electrician. Angela is married to John Mattern, all 
residing in Omaha. 

James H., born December 23, 1853, was for years in the 
employ of the Union Pacific railroad in various capacities, first 
as check clerk in the local freight department in Omaha ; for 
one year telegraph operator and agent for the road at Brady 
Island and at Columbus, Neb. ; was clerk of the Omaha police 
court for two years — 1890-91, and agent for the Northwestern 
railroad at Jackson, Neb., from 1892-96 and agent for the same 
road at Chicago from 1896 to 1900. He is now in the employ of 
the Great AVestern at Omaha. He was married to Elizabeth 
Coffey at Columbus, Neb., in 1882 and has one son, Daniel, a 
plumber, and two daughters, Agnes and Gertrude, both tele- 
graph operators and employed with the Western Union. All are 
residing in Omaha, 

Minnie, born August 28, 185,7, was married to Otto Michael- 
sen, an uncle of the noted sculptor, Solon Borglum, in 1881 at 
Omaha. Her husband is a machinist by trade and the inventor 
and patentee of the celebrated Michaelsen crusher and ore refiner, 
an invention to be found in any part of the civilized world where 
mining camps are located and rock crushing carried on to any 
extent. They had three children — Charles, Will and Ilean. 
Charles died in May, 1915. Will is manager for his father's 
manufacturing establishment and Ilean is at present in an art 
institute. The family for the past two years has resided in ^lin- 
neapolis, Minn. 

Susie, born August 18, 1861, is the baby of the family and 
was one year old when she came to Omaha. She attended the 
Jackson Street School, also the Pacific and Omaha High dur- 
ing the time the late lamented Professor Beals was professor 
at that school. She was married to me May 13, 1884, at St. 
Philomena's Cathedral in this city. We had born to us eight 
children — five boj^s and three girls — all living. The oldest bo3% 
Hilliard, is in the real estate business. Irven, the next, is field 
engineer for the city of Omaha. He was married to Miss Ruth 
Coryell of Trenton, N. J., in June, 1911. Edward, Jr., is a clerk 
in the Omaha postoffice. Charles, a student at the Central High, 



OMAHAMEMORIES 209 

is battalion sergeant-major of the cadets and captain of the foot- 
ball team. Milton is a student at the Commercial High School. 
Mae is my stenographer, Viola a music teacher and Sue Harriett 
a teacher in the Omaha public schools. Some family, is it not? 
for an humble lawyer to have reared, and all but one living under 
the same roof, with one of the best mothers the world ever pro- 
duced. (I can't say as much for the father.) 

Henry P. Haze. 

Capt. Henry P. Haze was born in Pella, Marion County, Iowa, 
October 30, 1856. He remained there until he was 21 years of 
age, then moved to Gove County, Kansas, where he took up a 
homestead and remained there two years, as he had to abandon 
the claim on account of the failure of crops due to hot winds 
and drouth. He went to Abilene, Kansas, in the spring of 1880 
and in the fall of the same year moved to Enterprise, Kansas, at 
which place he was married to Mary Hopkins February 1, 1881, 
and on the 7th day of October, 1881, came to Omaha. He ob- 
tained employment at the Union Pacific freight house, staying 
there until September 29, 1885, at which time he was appointed 
to a position on the Omaha police force by Mayor J. E. Boyd, 
under Marshal Thomas Oummings. He served two years at a 
patrolman and on September 21, 1887, was made a police sergeant 
under Chief Seavey; was chief of detectives for six years — 1889 
to 1895 — and on September 4, 1895, was made captain of police 
under Chief Sigwart ; was captain four years and at a change 
of commissioners and a reorganization of the police force, he, 
with thirty-seven others was let out by a democratic board under 
Chief Martin White. 

For three years he sold flour for the Model Milling Com- 
pany as city salesman, and in 1902 was again appointed captain 
of police under a republican board ; served as captain until Jan- 
uary 1, 1906, when he resigned to go into the sheriff's office 
under Sheriff McDonald. He worked there for two years, until 
his term expired. On February 2, 1910, he was appointed deputy 
United States marshal by Marshal Warner; was in this office 
for five and one-half years and went out with William Warner 
on August 15, 1915. On the 22d of November, 1915, he was 
appointed superintendent of the new city workhouse, which was 
established at that time, and is now holding that position. 

Among the most important cases he handled while chief of 
detectives and captain of police are the following : Mr. and Mrs. 
Jones, who were murdered by Ed Neal in 1890 at the Pinney 
farm. Maud Ruble was murdered by Sam Paine in 1893. Ida 
Gaskill was murdered by George Morgan in 1895. The George 
Elliott safe-blowing gang, which he arrested at Florence, Neb., 
with a complete burglar's outfit, including two bottles of nitro- 



210 OMAHAMEMORIES 

glycerine. The Chas. Davis robbers and Jas. Brutou robbers 
and highwaymen. He was instrumental in breaking up and send- 
ing to the pen many other gangs. 

Edward F. Morearty, Sr. — (Autobiography.) 

I was born in Knoxville, Tenn., August 11, 1860 and bap- 
tized by the poet priest of the south, Father A. J. Ryan. At the 
age of three 3'ears my parents moved to a farm on Beaver Creek, 
twelve miles from that city, to the noise and roar of cannon and 
in sight of glittering sabers, when the blue and the grey were 
contesting every inch of east Tennessee. Our farm was but a 
primeval forest; but little of it had been cultivated. The felling 
of the great oaks and clearing of underbrush depended upon my 
father, as we children were too young to be of any service. There 
were five of us — Patrick, myself, Thomas, James and Mary. 

The nearest school was three miles away, and our chances 
to attend were confined to July, August and September in the 
summer when the crops were "laid by," and a few months in 
the winter. Our primary grades were taught us by our father, 
he having a good education which he acquired in his early days 
in Vermont and Ohio. My oldest brother and I were sent to 
the grade schools of Knoxville, where we graduated. By reason 
of my father having poisoned his eyes through poison weeds, 
we sold our farm in 1872 and shortly afterward moved to Dingle, 
County Kerry, Ireland. Why this move I never understood, 
except that climatic conditions might improve his health, which 
prediction was not verified, as he died of typhoid fever a few 
months after our arrival. 

The Christian Brothers College was located in the town in 
which we lived, and my brother, Patrick, and I graduated from 
it, after which the family returned to America and located at 
Holyoke, Mass. Shortly afterward we, excepting my " oldest 
brother, went to Knoxville, Tenn., where for two 3'ears I was 
timekeeper and paymaster for mj- uncle, who was then engaged 
in constructing a part of the Cincinnati Southern railroad, which 
position I left to come to Omaha January 15, 1880. ]My career 
since then can be found in the various parts of these Recollec- 
tions. ]\ry mother and brother, Thomas, died in Holyoke in 1912. 
To my father and mother I recognize to the fullest extent the 
obligations that I owe them. They taught me industry', economy 
and sobriet.y. They were plain and simple in their lives, but such 
success as I have attained I will always attribute to their teach- 
ings and good examples. 

Wallace 0. Shane. 

Wallace 0. Shane Avas born in Boston, IMass., October 18, 
1864, and came to Nebraska and Omaha Avith his parents by boat 



OMAHA MEMORIES 211 

when a boy, landing at the foot of Farnam Street. Was edu- 
cated in the Omaha schools and entered the service of the Omaha 
National Bank in November, 1883, serving in various capacities 
until 1885, when he became receiving teller and in 1900 paying 
teller, a position Avhich he has occupied up to this writing. 

He is the son of the well-known architect, D. L. Shane, who 
drew* the plans of many of the largest public and private build- 
ings in the state. He was married in 1888 and has one child. I 
had the pleasure, while clerk of the county court, of issuing him 
his marriage license. 

As an expert on handwriting he has few if any superiors 
in this country. Possibly no man west of Chicago has occasion 
to examine signatures oftener than he, because of his position, 
and in all Nebraska there cannot be found a more patient, ac- 
commodating and courteous bank attache than Wallace 0. Shane. 

A. J. Poppleton — (A Chapter of His Autobiography.) 

This biography was not made public until the middle of 
1915. I obtained it from his son-in-law, M. L. Learned. The 
reason that I am giving it more space than usual is the fact that 
I classed him as one of the best friends I ever had. It was I who 
persuaded him to accept the office of city attorney during my 
term of councilman of Omaha, and Mayor R. C, Rushing ap- 
pointed him. His services to the city of Omaha were about the 
last ever rendered, either publicly or privately, which official 
position he has failed to mention in his autobiography which is 
in substance as follows : 

"I was born on a farm in Oakland County, IMichigan, July 
25, 1830. In April, 1852, I entered the law offices of C. I. and 
E. C. Walker of Detroit and spent until October 22 of the same 
year in study and legal work. During this same period, Jonas 
Seeley, Clinton Briggs and General Henry Morrow were students 
in other offices in Detroit. On the 22d of October of that year 
I was examined at Pon,tiac,.]\Iich., before the Supreme Court of 
]\Iichigan and admitted to practice. The winter of 1852-53 I 
spent at the laM^ school of John Fowler, first located at Ballston, 
N. Y., moving thence to Poughkeepsie, N. Y. This period was 
devoted almost wholly to improving and perfecting myself in 
extemporaneous speaking, Professor Fowler making that a spe- 
cialty and being himself an orator of evtraordinary power. In 
the spring of 1853 I returned to Detroit and became a member 
of the firm known as Cargill, Poppleton & Chase. I remained 
there until August, 1854. 

''Our firm proved to be top-heavy — too many partners and 
too little business. It was dissolved, and I then began to look 
about for a new field of operations. The Kansas and Nebraska 



212 OMAHA MEMORIES 

bill had just been passed, the Indian title had been extinguished 
to the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and attention was 
generally attracted to them. Leavenworth and Council Bluffs 
seemed to- be the two points about which most was known and 
to which mention was most generally directed. I was little in- 
clined to either, preferring Chicago or San Francisco. I left 
Detroit about the first of October. After remaining a day or 
two in Chicago, I determined to go as far west as Davenport. 
Upon reaching there I found everybody talking about Des Moines. 
Upon reaching there I fond the tide still setting further west to 
Council Bluffs. While at Union College I had read in the New 
York Tribune a letter written by an army officer, pointing out 
the site opposite Council Bluffs on the west bank of the Mis- 
souri as the seat of a future great city. The influence of this 
letter had reall}' moved me from point to point westward of 
Chicago, with a view of settling there myself if my judgment 
should approve on seeing it. I reached Council Cluffs after five 
days' travel by stage from Davenport on Friday, October 13, 
1854, and the next day I visited the site of Omaha and, standing 
upon the summit of Capitol Hill, about the hour of noon, felt 
that the New York Tribune had not exaggerated the location. 

' ' That afternoon I found myself on the Iowa side of the river 
returning to the Bluffs. I had been walking since eight in the 
morning, had no dinner, and had neither seen nor heard of any 
person I had previously known. As I set off to cover the dis- 
tance between the river and the Bluffs, I was somcAvhat depressed 
in spirit. I could see no work in Omaha for a lawyer; there 
were about twenty people there, no government, no courts, no 
laws. While walking along I saw coming toward me a double 
team loaded with lumber and driven by a single person. AVhat 
was my astonishment upon approaching him to recognize A. J. 
Hanscom. I had never seen him since we were fellow students 
at Rome. In the meantime he had served in the IMexican War, 
been employed upon the lakes and married, drifted to Council 
Bluffs, engaged first in farming and then in merchandise and 
noAv had made a claim adjoining Omaha and was building a dwell- 
ing house thereon. I expressed my vicAV of the discouraging out- 
look for me as a lawyer who must earn his living. lie then went 
on to say that the territorial officers had just arrived at Belle- 
vue ; that a territorial organization would be immediately made ; 
that an election for members of the legislative assembly would 
soon be called ; that there was already more or less contention 
about claims and boundaries, and he thought if I remained and 
established myself in Omaha that I could secure a good claim 
and earn something in claim disputes ; that both of us could be 
elected to the legislature and I would earn enough to carry me 
through until spring. These suggestions appealed to me and 
I decided to remain. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 213 

"A few days afterward Governor 0. D. Richardson of Mich- 
igan arrived in the Bluffs and together we purchased a lot and 
built a cabin. The lot was purchased from the Council Bluffs 
and Nebraska Ferry Company. I paid 'White Coa^' the Omaha 
chief, $10 for peace and privilege of occupying the lot. We 
finished the structure in ten days, and this so-called office was 
situated at Tenth and Farnam, standing on the rear of the lot. 
It was 10x14 feet and consisted of a light framework of cotton- 
wood scantling, covered with cottonwood slabs ; the roof was 
of cottonwood boards ; one door in front and a small window at 
the side f it and another in the rear were the only openings. Dur- 
ing the fall we covered the whole exterior with sod with our 
own hands. 

"At the election Hanscom and myself were both elected to 
the lower house. The first session was an eventful and critical 
period for Omaha. The capital was to be located, and Nebraska 
City, Plattsmouth, Bellevue and Omaha were the contestants. 
I, with others, had taken claims and was very much interested 
in the town. The struggle which resulted in the location of the 
capital at Omaha was long and close. Of the territorial offi- 
cials, Acting Governor T. B. Cummings was unquestionably enti- 
tled to the greatest credit for this result. Of the members of 
the two houses of the legislature, while the entire delegation in 
such body did their best, it cannot be denied that A H. Hanscom, 
A. J. Poppleton and Governor Richardson, who was a member 
of the council, were conspicuous in the contest. At the close of 
the legislature my occupation was at an end. It was no part 
of my purpose to engage in politics, as I had never lost sight of 
the law, and its practice was my ambition. For a few days I 
felt somewhat depressed, and then came employment in the 
shape of the first lawsuit ever tried in Nebraska, after which I 
was never idle in my profession. This was the suit of John Pen- 
tecost against F. M. Woods and involved a claim situated on a 
tributary of Saddle Creek, near the present site of Elmwood Park. 
My client was Pentecost. Governor Richardson represented 
Woods. A full day was spent in the trial and my cleint was suc- 
cessful. 

''In March, 1857, when the government surveys were com- 
pleted and the United States land office opened at Omaha, con- 
tests in the land office became the staple litigation in which I 
was engaged until 1863, when my work for the Union Pacific 
first began. I was also engaged in many criminal trials during 
that time. 

"I was elected a member of the legislature of 1857-58 and 
served throughout that session — the most fruitless, perhaps, ever 
held in Nebraska. It was during that session that a conflict arose 
which resulted in a portion of the members withdrawing from 
the lawful body in session in Omaha and seeking to establish 



214 OMAHA MEMORIES 

themselves at Florence as the lawful legislative body. I was 
elected speaker of that portion of the body remaining in Omaha. 

"In Jul^^ 1858, I was stricken with a sudden and painful ill- 
ness, from which I did not recover sufficiently to resume the 
practice of my profession until March, 1860. I had been elected 
mayor of the city in the spring of 1858, which office I was com- 
pelled to resign in October following on account of my sick- 
ness. 

"In July, 1862, the act authorizing the construction of the 
Union Pacific raihvay became a law. Nothing, however, was 
done under it except to organize a company on paper, until 
December, 1863. At that date, chiefly for its effect on con- 
gress, then about to assemble, from which the company was about 
to ask important legislation, the ceremonj' of breaking ground 
took place at Omaha. Peter Day, railroad commissioner of Iowa, 
had been appointed chief engineer of the road and sent to 
Omaha and placed in charge of the interest of the company. 
At the ceremony of breaking ground, after officials and G. F. 
Train and others had spoken, I was called upon to speak. My 
speech gave great satisfaction to ]\Ir. Day and other officials, and 
a few days afterward I was engaged by Mr. Dey on behalf of 
the road to attend to such legal business as might arise at Omaha 
for the company and specially requested to prepare a general 
railroad law to be brought before the legislative assembly at its 
next session. This law was passed at the session of 1864 and has 
remained unchanged until the present day. From this time until 
the spring of 1869 very much of my time was occupied in advis- 
ing and assisting railway officers, in acquiring right-of-waj^ 
depot and shop grounds in the city of Omaha, and in the mean- 
time also my general practice, especially in the trial of heavy 
law and equity cases, was constantly increasing, and I think that 
at no period of my Avhole life have I ever been more completely 
absorbed in business ; nor was I ever faster educated. 

"Until July, 1869. I had never received from the railway 
company any fixed salary. I had been paid upon itemized bills 
rendered for specific services. In the month of July, 1869, upon 
one of the hottest days T recollect to have experienced, a messen- 
ger came to my office stating that John Duff and C. S. Bushnell, 
both directors of the company, wished to see me at the Cozzen 
House in Omaha. I lost no time in presenting myself before 
them, for I knew they had been appointed a committee b.y what 
was known as the construction company to visit Omaha and 
straighten out, if possible, the tangles which had arisen with 
that organization, and espeeiallj' in relation to a firm of tie and 
timber contractors known as Davis & Associates. 

"I found these gentlemen minus coats and vests, each dili- 
gently plying a large palm leaf fan and, as it seemed to me, in 



OMAHA MEMORIES 215 

distress not wholly caused by the heat. Mr, Duff said that he 
found that the amount of money drawn by me from the companj^ 
was constantly increasing, and that the business was also increas- 
ing and perhaps fulh' warranted my charges. That he thought 
during the last year I had drawn perhaps $5,000, which would 
be a fair salary to pa^' for the exclusive time of counsel. That 
they had sent for me to agree, if possible, upon a fixed salary 
which would give the compan,y preference in my attention to its 
business, and if necessary' cover my exclusive services. There- 
upon he put the question of what salary I would require. I 
knew the position of the legal business of this company better 
than these gentlemen, and I answered promptly, '$12,000 per 
year.' They were astonished at first, but agreed upon a salary 
of $10,000. He then took from his pocket about a dozen sum- 
monses and subpoenas served upon them that daj^ involving liti- 
gation to the amount of nearly $1,000,000 and covering the line 
from Omaha to Utah. My agreement began July 1, 1869, and 
from that time until my resignation in Februarj', 1888, I had 
few legal engagements outside of the business of the company. 
My salary was afterwards raised to $12,000 and continued so 
until my resignation. This ended my connection with the Union 
Pacific railroad and its affairs. I had been twenty-four years in 
its service and had participated in almost all of its trials, con- 
fiicts, failures and successes, and I had grown to feel a strong 
personal attachment for the corporation. Its affairs, however, 
do not seem to me to have improved and I fear that the inherent 
infirmities entailed upon it by early mismanagement can never 
be healed or removed, and that liquidation alone will clear it of 
the wreckage and make it useful to the people of the state through' 
which it runs and to the government of the United States. It is 
impossible to predict the future of the company. It can only 
be said that in the absence of a long extension upon very low 
interest by the United States the company and its affairs must 
come to bankruptcy. Immediately after my resignation I made 
a short journey to Mexico, and upon my return to Omaha I took 
up the general practice. My best legal work between 1888 and 
1892 consisted in the preparation of the law authorizing the 
consolidation of the street railways of Omaha, and drafting, per- 
fecting, defending and vindicating that consolidation in the 
courts, together with the preparation and argument, in conjunc- 
tio nwith Mr. Woolworth, of the two cases of the Chicago, Rock 
Island & Pacific Railroad Company and the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul Railroad Company against the Union Pacific to com- 
pel the specific performance of a contract for joint trackage over 
the Missouri River bridge and a portion of the line of the Union 
Pacific. The arguments of these cases before Associate Justice 
Brewer of the supreme court were my last in the federal courts. 



216 OMAHAMEMORIES 

"As early as 1880 the sight of my left eye had become im- 
paired. Occulists had advised me that this had no necessary 
connection with, and would probably have no effect upon, the 
right. Nevertheless, about the first of January, 1892, the sight 
of my right eye began rapidly to fail." 

Mr. Poppleton died at Omaha September 24, 1896. 



Wm. J. Connell. 

William J. Connell was born in Canada, near the boundary 
line of Vermont. Not as old as John C. Cowin, nor as young as 
John L. Webster (?), but can run faster, jump higher and hit 
harder than either or both of them ! He came to Omaha from 
Vermont with the birth of Nebraska, early in 1867, and was 
elected district attorney to succeed General Cowin; went to con- 
gress in 1889 ; was city attorney of Omaha, by appointment, for 
several terms ; was attorney for the street railway company for 
over twenty years, from which position he resigned December, 
1915; is now a "free lance." Has owned more real estate and 
paid more taxes than any man in Omaha — paid over $60,000 to 
county treasurer in last two years. Intends to devote the last 
decade of his legal career to serving the public and protecting 
the rights and interests of the people. 

As a trial lawyer he has few equals and no superiors in 
this state. He is as brazen as brass itself, has bulldog tenacity 
and a hide as difficult of perforation as that of an elephant. 
With all that, W. J. Connell is possessed of a heart as big as 
that of an ox, ready and willing at all times to lend a helping 
hand to the deserving and worthy. 



H. F. Curtis. 

H. F. Curtis was born on his father's farm in Erie County, 
Pennsylvania, in 1864; was educated in the public schools of 
that county until he attained the age of manhood. Was sta- 
tioned in Ohio and Pennsylvania for the New York Central & 
St. Louis Railroad from 1884 to 1898 ; was traveling for the same 
road, with headquarters in Omaha, from 1898 to 1910, leaving 
its employ in that'j^ear to accept the presidencj^ of the Lyman 
Sand Company of Omaha, with branch offices in various Nebraska 
towns, which position he is holding at this writing. 

Mr. Curtis is well and favorably known throughout the 
state and ranks high in business, social and church circles. He 
is married and has two children. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 217 

A. Hospe. 

Mr. A. Hospe was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 3, 
185,4, and came to Nebraska and Omaha in November, 1874. 

He has been engaged in the art business in Omaha, to my 
knowledge, since 1881, and is still conducting the largest whole- 
sale and retail music and art store in the city at the old stand, 
1513 Douglas Street, where he can be seen wearing a smile fa- 
miliar to all for the past thirty-five years. 

Dan Butler. 

Dan Butler was born in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1880 and came 
to Nebraska and Omaha with his parents in 1890 ; entered Creigh- 
ton College in 1896, graduating from it in 1899. He served as 
deputy county clerk under John Drexel from 1902 to 1905 ; was 
elected city clerk of Omaha in 1906 and re-elected in 1909 ; was 
elected city commissioner in 1912 and re-elected in 1915. During 
his term as commissioner he has been head of the department of 
finance. His term will expire in 1918. 

Mr. Butler is a capable official and has discharged every 
duty reposed in him with credit to himself and the public. He 
is the son of the late Joseph Butler, one of Omaha's old and hon- 
ored citizens, and a brother of Joseph Butler, head of the depart- 
ment of gas and electric lights — part of the city management. 

A. C. Kugel. V 

A. C. Kugel was born in London, England, February 8, 1867, 
of German parents ; lived three years in Germany ; moved from 
there to Toronto, Canada, in 1874, where his mother died; in 
1876 moved to Chicago. The following year he moved to New 
York City; after three years there he moved to Harlan, Iowa, 
on a farm ; came to Omaha from Iowa in 1887. 

He was a journeyman plumber and learned the trade under 
Hussie & Day Company. For eight years was financial secretary 
of the Plumbers' Union and for two terms was president of the 
same organization ; was also secretary of the Omaha Central 
Labor Union. After serving as plumbing inspector for a brief 
while he was elected city councilman from the Tenth ward in 
1909. In 1912 he was elected city commissioner s^nd was twenty- 
one months head of the street, cleaning department; was trans- 
ferred from street cleaning department to that of police, sani- 
tation and public safety and was re-elected to that office in 
1915. His term will expire in 1918. 

He was married November 10, 1893, and has two children, 
Charles and Mildred. 



218 OMAHAMEMORIES 



Mr. Kugel has made good in everj^ department of public 
service in which he has been placed. He is cool and even tem- 
pered. This, coupled with his extensive affiliations with the 
common people, has made him a useful and practical public 
servant. 

F. C. Best. 

Frank C. Best was born in Blue Grass, Scott County, Iowa, 
July 27, 1873. After attending the public schools of that county 
he came to Omaha in 1888. For four years he was engaged in 
the real estate business ; M^as for a number of years bookkeeper 
in the Union Stock Yards Bank. He was elected to the 1907 
legislature, the session that procured for the people more pro- 
gressive legislation than any in the history of Nebraska. He 
was elected county commissioner in 1912 ; his term expires in 
1917. He has made an enviable record as commissioner and will 
be a candidate to succeed himself in 1916, and is deserving of 
re-election. 

John C. Lynch. 

John C. Lynch was born in Omaha June 6, 1877, on the 
corner of Sixteenth and Pine Streets ; was educated in the paro- 
chial and public schools of this city. At the age of 18 he was 
apprenticed to Hussie & Day, where he learned the plumbing 
trade and worked as a journej-man plumber until his appoint- 
ment by Frank E. Moores as plumbing inspector of Omaha, in 
]903, which position he held until elected county commissioner 
of Douglas County in 1910. He was re-elected in 1914 ; his term 
expires in 1919. 

Douglas County never had a more efficient, capable and ac- 
commodating official than John C. Lynch. He is the son of an 
old Omaha pioneer, Humphrey Lynch, who for forty .years was 
an employee of the Union Pacific railroad. Shortly after retiring 
on a pension he died in December, 1915, at the age of 73. 

James Walsh. 

James Walsh was born in Ireland in 1855. When a young 
man he left there for Australia, where he lived until coming to 
the United States and to Omaha, in 1873. That year he located 
on a homestead near Elkhorn, Neb., where he continued to re- 
side until 1906, .when he moved his residence to Benson, a sub- 
urb of Omaha, where he is still living. He was for a number of 
years a member of the board of trade, buying a seat on that 
board at a very low price and surrendering it at a fabulous one. 

]\Ir. Walsh is one of the best known and highly respected 
men in Douglas County. It is said of him that he would rather 
play a game of pitch than do anything else on earth except play 



OMAHAMEMORIES 219 

the game of politics.- lie is the most genial and companionable 
man that I have ever met, and the most rabid and unterritied 
republican from Portland, Maine, to Puget Sound, Washington. 
On one of his many trips to Ireland he discovered a brand of 
whiskey called "Bush ^lills," which, through his efforts, was in- 
troduced into Omaha, and many the time that I wished the tariff 
or duty on it had been ten times what it is. 

Mr. Walsh was elected to the 1907 session of the legislature 
and made a splendid record. He is an authority on agricul- 
ture and horticulture, and was appointed in 1903 by the gov- 
ernor to represent Nebraska at the Louisiana Exposition, held 
at St. Louis that year. He is now retired and is a man of con- 
siderable wealth, every dollar of which he has acquired through 
honest and legitimate means. 

D. 0. McEwan. 

D. 0. McEwan was born in Scotland in 1849 ; came to the 
United States in 1870 and to Omaha in 1881. For a number of 
years he was engaged in the plumbing business, part of the time 
under the firm name of Hamilton & McEwan. For a number 
of 3^ears his firm composed the only master plumbers in Omaha. 
The Boyd Opera House, the Paxton and Millard Hotels were 
among the buildings in which he did the plumbing. He and his 
family still reside in Omaha. 

Andrew Murphy. 

Andrew Murphy was born in Canada in 1849 and came to 
Nebraska and to Omaha in 1867. In that year he started a wagon 
and horse-shoe shop on the northwest corner of Fourteenth and 
Howard Streets, at which place he continued business until 1910, 
when he moved to his present location, 1418 Jackson Street. In 
addition to his other business, he is engaged in the manufacture 
of automobiles of the traffic kind. For the past five years his 
firm has been known as Murphy & Son, having as a trademark, 
"Murphy Did It." Few men in Omaha are better known and 
liked than Andrew Murphy, as he is a man of good business 
tact, loved and respected for his noble qualities and his unflinch- 
ing loyalty to his friends and his devotion to his family and his 
religion. 

George I. Gilbert. 

George Ingersoll Gilbert was born August 14, 1827, in Pitts- 
ford, Eiitland County, Vermont, and died in Omaha October 7, 
1899. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1853. 
He was one of seven brothers, all of whom were at the university 
at the same time. Immediately after graduation he was appointed 
professor of astronomy and mathematics in Louisiana College, 



220 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Louisiana, which position he held until 1856, when he resigned. 
He was admitted to the bar in Chicago in 1857, and the same 
year settled in Omaha, where he began the practice of his pro- 
fession. In 185,8 he was elected city solicitor or city attorney 
and was also school examiner in 1858-59. In 1860 he formed a 
law partnership with George B. Lake under the name of Lake 
& Gilbert. In 1861 he was elected prosecuting attorney for 
Douglas County. In 1862 Mr. Gilbert located in Washington 
territory and a year later was appointed by the then tentorial 
government as probate judge of what is now the southern part 
of Idaho. In 1867 he went to Chicago and engaged in the 
commission business arid two years afterward he again returned 
to Omaha, where in April, 1875, he formed a partnership with 
B. E. B. Kennedy, which was soon dissolved. In 1887 Mr. Gil- 
bert was appointed by Governor Thayer as a member of the first 
board of fire and police commissioners of Omaha for two years 
and was reappointed for four years. He was married February 
6, 1868, in Pontiac, Mich., to Cornelia Richardson, daughter of 
Governor 0. D. Richardson. He was a member of the fire and 
police board during the two years I served as a member of the 
city council, and our relations were of the most friendly nature, 
as he was one of the most agreeable men I ever met, by reason 
of which lovable traits I became very much attached to him. 

James M. Fitzgerald. 

James Fitzgerald was born in Chicago, Illinois, August 7, 
1874. In 1880 he came with his parents to Nebraska, locating 
on a homestead in Filmore County. He entered Creighton Col- 
lege in 1898 and graduated from the department of arts in 1903, 
after which he entered the University of Michigan, graduating 
from there in 1906. He came direct to Omaha and opened a law 
office and in 1910 he formed a partnership with Thomas Lynch, 
which firm was known as Lynch & Fitzgerald. In 1911 he was 
appointed deputy county attorney under county attorney James 
P. English, which position he now holds. In the fall of 1915 he 
filed for the office of police judge of Omaha on the democratic 
ticket, subject to the action of his party in the April, 1916, pri- 
mary. ]\Ir. Fitzgerald has made a good record as deputy county 
attorney and has vigorously prosecuted and convicted in many 
murder cases during his term. He has a wife and two children. 

I. S. Hascall. 

Isaac S. Hascall came to Nebraska in its territorial days. 
He was a native of New York, a lawyer by profession, and was 
county judge of Douglas County from 1862-63, He served two 
terms in the state senate and at one session was its president, 
owing to the death of the lieutenant governor. He served twelve 



OMAHAMEMORIES 221 

years in the Omaha city council, but at no time did he succeed 
himself. He was one of the best read men I ever met, a cool j^et 
dreaded foe in a debate ; he seldom gave his word in politics, but 
when he did you were sure it would be kept. He was one of 
the few public men of his day that the late Ed. Rosewater feared. 
This was owing to his unlimited resources in political strategy 
(Rosewater being adept at it himself). I knew Ike Hascall well 
from 1881 to the daj' of his death in 1908. He had a bright mind 
— always far-seeing, but visionary, or perhaps too progressive 
for his daj^ and generation, and was warm-hearted and generous, 
ever willing to help the deserving and assist them in buying and 
building homes, and many are the now prosperous families of 
Omaha whom Hascall encouraged and assisted in buying and 
paj'ing for their little places. Through his untiring etforts to 
build up this city he died a poor man, though once reaching the 
millionaire class ; yet he left behind something greater than 
riches — a good name and kind deeds, never having wronged any- 
one and made many a poor struggling person happy and wealthy, 
against his own judgment. 

Henry RohlflF. 

Henry Rohltt' Avas born in Davenport, Iowa, March 3, 1867, 
and came to Omaha in 1882. His first employment was with 
Hans Wigger in the old Bushman Block, now the Karbach Block, 
and later he was with Ed. Maurer, starting in business for him- 
self at Twenty-second Street and 'Poppleton Avenue in 1866, 
afterwards on Twenty-third and Twenty-fifth and Leavenworth 
Streets. For the past ten years he has been the Nebraska agent 
for the Schoenhott'en Brewing Company, with headquarters at 
2569 Leavenworth Street. In addition to this he has a wholesale 
and retail liquor house. He is also owner of the Rohlff Theater. 

Few men have succeeded as has Mr. Rohlff, and all by his 
own efforts. 

He is married and has four children. 

Daniel Shull. 

Dan Shull has lived in Omaha from his boyhood, having 
been here continuously from 1858. In that year his father pre- 
empted a homestead of what is now known as Shull 's Addition 
to Omaha. Of the familj^ there were two brothers, Dan and 
William, and four sisters — Mrs. Spooner, Mrs. Laurence, Mrs. 
Elliott and Mrs. Merriam. 

He is one of the most fatherly, kind, generous and warm- 
hearted of men, and has resided in his present home since 1885, 
at Twenty-fifth Street and Poppleton Avenue. He is known to 
the neighborhood children as "Uncle Dan." 



222 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Thomas F. Lee. 

Thomas F. Lee Avas a native son of Omaha, born in 1882; 
a graduate of Creighton College and the University of Iowa — 
from its law department — in 1903. He was appointed cit}^ pros- 
ecutor of this city by Mayor Moores in ]\Iay, 1904, and served 
during the mayor's term, or three years. He was one of the 
most promising of the young men of the Omaha bar, being a 
man of unusual ability, with a bright mind and strong will, 
accommodating and courteous. He made an able record as city 
prosecutor, possessing, as he did, the noble traits of charity and 
sympathy for the fallen and wretched. He sought only to pros- 
ecute and not persecute. 

Mr. Lee died May 14, 1914, beloved by all who knew him. 
He was the son of one of Omaha's most honored citizens, Am- 
brose Lee. 

Dr. L. A. Merriam. 

Dr. L. A. Merriam Avas born in Ohio in 1843 and came to 
Omaha in 1883, and for a number of years was located in the old 
Bushman Block, Avhere now stands the Karbach Block, Fifteenth 
and Douglas Streets, but for years has had offices in the Bee 
Building. I have been acquainted with him from the first day 
that he came to this city, and for more than twenty years he has 
been my family physician, thereby enabling me to know the 
true character of the man. Taking him professionally and so- 
cially, I can truthfully say that he is one of the most intellectual 
and pleasing men T have ever met in his profession; devoid of 
frills, bombast and pomposity ; a hater of sham pretentious prog- 
ress made in his profession ; ever Avilling to prescribe the sim- 
plest and most economical remedy for the ailments of his pa- 
tients. He has not grown rich in this Avorld's goods, nor will 
he, for the reason that he dearly cherishes the noble principle 
of the "fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man." He 
is now in his 73rd year, hale and hearty, a living example of one 
who has practiced virtue and sobrietj^ during the long life which 
the Lord has seen fit to give him. 

Dr. Merriam is a member of the IMasonic body and the 
Knights of Pythias, the Redmen and the jModern AA^oodmen of 
America. 

Wm. P. Lynch. 

AVilliam P. Lynch is a notive child of Omaha, having been 
born, raised and educated here. He is the son of the late P. W. 
and Ellen Lynch, Omaha pioneers; was born August 15, 1881, at 
Sixteenth and IMarcy Streets ; was educated in the public and 
parochial schools of this city and graduated from the law de- 



OMAHAMEMORIES 223 

partment of Creightoii University in 1905 with the degree of 
B. A. Has practiced here since then. He has a bright, clear, 
legal mind and is fast attaining prominence among the legal 
profession. He is ambitions to be one of the three municipal 
judges to be elected in 1916, and is capable of filling that office 
very satisfactorily. 

John L. Kennedy. 

John L. Kennedy was born on a farm in Ayrshire, Scotland, 
October 27, 1854. He attended the public school in Scotland 
until he was twelve years of age, Avhen he was needed at home 
on the farm. AVhen he was nineteen he came to the United States 
and farmed in LaSalle County, Illinois, for four years. From the 
farm he went to Galesburg, 111., and entered Knox College. He 
remained at Knox about three years, but did not complete the 
college course. At different times he has received from Knox 
College the honorary degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts 
and Doctor of Laws. 

Mr. Kennedy graduated from the law department of the 
State University of Iowa in 1882, and in December of that year 
he came to Omaha and engaged in the practice of law. From 1882" 
to 1888 he was a member of the firm of Kennedy & Martin. In 
1888 Myron L. Learned succeeded Mr. Martin, and the partner- 
ship of Kennedy & Learned continued for nineteen years, being 
dissolved by mutual consent in 1907. 

During his thirty-three years' residence in Omaha Mr. Ken- 
nedy has been actively identified with the development of the 
city, and has contributed largely to various buildings erected 
within the last few years. He was one of the moving spirits in 
the buildings erected within the last few years. He was one of 
the moving spirits in the building of the Fontenelle Hotel, and 
served as chairman of the biiilding committee. He is a director 
of the Commercial Club of Omaha and during 1915 served as 
chairman of the public affairs committee. 

Mr. Kennedy is a Presbyterian and has been a member of 
the First Presbyterian church of Omaha for more than thirty 
years. His famiW consists of his wife and three children. 

In the Fifty-ninth Congress (1905-1907) Mr. Kennedy rep- 
resented the Second congressional district. In 1911 he was chair- 
man of the republican state committee, when the entire republican 
state ticket was elected. He has always been a republican and 
is now a candidate for the republican nomination for United 
States senator. The primary election will be held April 18, 1916. 

I have known John L. Kennedy intimately for more than 
three decades and, whether as a private citizen or a public offi- 
cial, his genial disposition looms with a radiance that endears 
him to all who have had occasion to meet or greet him. 



224 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Leo A. Hoffman. 

Leo A. Hoffman was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1881, and 
came to Omaha in 1906, when he formed a partnership with John 
Gentleman in the Undertaking business. This partnership was 
dissolved in 1909, and he engaged in business for himself at 
Sixteenth and Jones Streets, where he remained until 1912, when 
he moved to Twentj'-fourth and Dodge Streets, where he is now 
located in his own building, one of the finest, best equipped and 
up-to-date undertaking parlors in the state. 

Mr, Hoffman is a prominent member of the Knights of Co- 
lumbus, and a member of various fraternal organizations. He 
was married to Veronica Daugherty, a daughter of Charles 
Daugherty, one of Omaha's pioneers, in 1908. They have four 
children. He is one of the most genial of companions, affable 
and pleasant, so much so that when he meets and cheers an invalid 
he knocks himself out of a funeral. 

Chas. W. Hamilton. 

Charles W. Hamilton was one of Omaha's pioneers, having 
located here in 1859. Shortly after his arrival he became engaged 
in the banking business with the late Samuel Caldwell, having 
organized the United States National Bank, now one of the most 
substantial in Omaha. He was known to everyone as one of 
the safest and most conservative men that ever embarked in 
the banking business in this city, ready and willing to lend a 
helping hand to the worthy and deserving — this I know from per- 
sonal experience. 

Mr. Hamilton was the father of C. W. and F. T., president of 
the Omaha Gas Company and vice president of the Merchants 
National Bank; Fred, cashier of the same bank, and Caldwell, 
deceased. Mr. Hamilton died in October, 1897. 

Cadet Taylor. 

Cadet Taylor came to Omaha from Washington, D. C, in 
1888. In that year he. Sterling P. Rounds and 0. II. Rotheker 
purchased the Omaha Republican, a morning newspaper of long 
standing in this city and state. Mr, Taylor was the editor and 
part owner of the paper during the time of its publication, which 
ended in 1892. He served one year in the Omaha city council, 
from the Eighth ward, in addition to being engaged in the bank- 
ing and real estate business. In May of this year (1915) he 
completed his term of four years as collector of customs for the 
port of Omaha, after which he and Mrs, Taylor took a trip 
around the world to enjoy a well deserved rest. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 225 

Mr. Taylor is an affable, courteous gentleman, with a broad, 
intellectual mind, as mild as a minister and as combative as a 
lion when the occasion arises. 

Charles E. Fanning. 

Charles E. Fanning was born in Washington, D. C, in 1855,, 
was educated in the public schools of that city and came to Omaha 

in 1881. 

During his first few years in Omaha he was employed by 
the late James Creighton as foreman of a sewer construction 
gang; was later engaged with Hugh Murphy in the paving busi- 
ness. Having confidence in his own ability gained by practical 
experience, he secured a number of paving contracts, all of which 
he completed to the satisfaction of the public and with a snug 
profit to himself. 

Encouraged by his success in small matters, he soon launched 
out in the open field of competition, securing and completing 
contracts of much magnitude, landing him today in the list of 
the leading paving contractors of the country. In politics Mr. 
Fanning has ever been a staunch democrat, and has always given 
his spare time and liberal donations to his party's success. 

I have known Mr. Fanning from the first day that he came 
to Omaha, and during that long period of time I can truthfully 
say of him that I have never known a more truthful man or one 
more loyal to a friend than he. At this writing it is reported 
that he is likely to be appointed postmaster of Omaha in the 
coming year. Should such a prediction prove true and Mr. Fan- 
ning would accept the office, the public can rest assured that 
the office will be filled by a worth}^ occupant. 

Since writing the above, Mr. Fanning was appointed post- 
master on July 7, 1916, taking the necessary oath and entering 
upon the duties of his office August 1. His term of office is for 
four years and judging from the capable record which he has 
made during the past six months, it is freely predicted for him 
that he will be one of the most popular and efficient postmasters 
Omaha has ever had. 

C. 0. Lobeck, M. C. 

Charles Otto, son of Otto and Anna L. Lobeck, was born on 
a farm at Andover, Illinois ; received his education in the common 
schools of his native village, later at Baldwin- Wallace College, 
Berea, Ohio, and the high schools of Geneseo, Illinois. 

At the age of seventeen years he began his life work as a 
salesman in his father's general merchandise store at Dayton, 



226 O M A H A M E M O R I E S 

Ohio, and commenced his career as traveling salesman in 1876 
in the territory- on the Chicago & Rock Island and Northwestern 
rAihva^'s and continued in the same until 1879. 

On ]\Iarch 1, 1880, Mr. Lobeck came to Omaha and engaged 
as a traveling salesman for the wholesale hardware house of Lee 
Fried & Co. — now the well-known firm of Lee, Coit, Andreeseu 
Hardware Company. He served with them for eight years and 
was considered one of the leading commercial salesmen in Ne- 
braska. In 1889 he became associated with the Omaha Hardware 
Company, which lost its business by fire in 1892, causing an entire 
loss to all its shareholders. From 1892 to 1895 he was in the retail 
hardware business, the firm being known as the Lobeck-Linn 
Hardware Company. He retired from business January 1. 1896. 
During this period Mr. Lobeck took an active part in mercantile 
lines and was elected director of the old Omaha board of trade 
in 1888, from which he -resigned in 1890 to make room for a 
member of the wholesale grain trade, which was being estab- 
lished in Omaha, 

In 1892 he was nominated and elected state senator by the 
republicans of Douglas County and served in the session off 
1893, but declined seeking a re-election in 1894. During the ses- 
sion of 1893 he secured the passage of a law, being an amend- 
ment to the Omaha charter, by which the railways operating 
through Omaha were directed to construct viaducts and sub- 
ways at the railway crossings. Mr. Lobeck was much interested 
in this because the subject had been one of much contention for 
twenty years previous between the city and the railways. The 
effect of this law was that the I^nion Pacific, the Burlington and 
other railways since have constructed at their own expense the 
splendid viaducts and subway crossings in the city. 

In 1896-97, owing to financial reverses, he again took up the 
work of traveling salesman and while on the road in the spring 
of 1897 was nominated by the silver republicans and democrats 
as councilman and elected to represent the Fifth ward for a 
three-year term and was re-elected in 1900. During his first 
term as councilman he w^as a prominent factor in securing a final 
agreement with the Union Pacific railway that its shops and 
headquarters should be maintained in Omaha for all time. Dur- 
ing his second term he was active in securing an adequate , 
assessment for taxation purposes by the franchise corporations! 
of Omaha. 

In the fall of 1902, during I\Ir. Lobeck 's absence from the 
city, he was nominated for county commissioner by his party 
in a strong republican district and after an exciting canvass, 
tied the vote with his competitor, but was declared loser by the 
courts. In this contest I was attornev for his opponent, Henry 
S. .McDonald. 



(! 



J 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



In the spring of 1903 he was elected city comptroller for 
three years and was re-elected in 1906 and 1909. 

In 1910 he was nominated by the democrats for congress to 
succeed Senator Hitchcock and was elected; re-elected in 1912 
and 1914, and has no opposition for renomination by his party 
in 1916. 

Mr. Lobeck was one of the pioneer salesmen of Omaha, and 
has seen its commercial activities grow from a small beginning 
until it is now one of the leading cities of the country. 

Since writing the above, Mr. Lobeck was re-elected to con- 
gress by a majority of 7,000 votes (1916). In this connection 
it might be truthfully stated that much of the efficient work 
accomplished by Mr. Lobeck, as well as the exceptional popu- 
larity which he has gained is due to his competent and obliging 
secretary, Mr. James II. Hanley of Omaha. 



228 



OMAHA ]M E ]\I R I E S 



CHAPTER L. 



THOSE PROMINENTLY CONNECTED WITH OMAHA'S 

UPBUILD. 

If I weve asked to name the men who did most toward thef 
npbnilding of Omaha it would be not only a difticult but a deli- 
cate task, but from the many, both living and dead, who are 
deserving ones there are many whom I might have inadvertently 
or for want of space overlooked. 1 here enumerate, from personal 
recollection, the following names : 



Edward Creigliton 

John A. Creigliton 

John D. Creighton 

Edw. Rosewater 

Andrew Rosewater 

P. H. Hitchcock 

Gilbert M. Hitchcock 

Richard McCormack 

Vitor Rosewater 

W. A. Paxton 

Jos. H. Millard 

Ezra Millard 

Frank Murphy 

Chas. F. Manderson 

Herman Kountze <& Sons 

E. Wakely 

Geo. W. Doane 

J. J. Brown 

Chas. H. Brown 

Hal McCord 

John S. Brady 

Benj. Gallagher 

Henry \V. Yates 

James E. Boyd 

Euclid Martin 

Byron Reed 

Abraham L. Reed 

Chas. J. Karbach 

S. P. Morse 

W. V. Morse 

J. L. Brandeis & Sons 

Wm. Sherman 

Hayden Bros. 

John L. Kennedy 

A. J. Poppleton 

A. B. McConnell 

F^ed Metz 

John M. Daugherty 

Alvin Saunders 

Guy C. Barton 

E. W. Nash 

Fred A. Xash 

Geo. A. Joselvn 

G. W. Wattles 

C. W. Hamilton 

Frank T. Hamilton 



Sam Caldwell 

Victor Caldwell 

John I. Redick 

W. A. Redick 

Judge Jas. W. Savage 

John L. McCague 

Casper E. Yost 

Geo. B. Lake 

O. F. Davis 

John X. Frenzer 

John T. Bell 

Dr. Geo. L. Miller 

Wm. G. Shriver 

Milton Barlow 

Luther Drake 

Sam E. Rogers 

Geo. Barker 

Jos. Barker 

Rome Miller 

Thos. Swobe 

Chas. Gruenig 

Charles E. Black 

Milton Rogers 

Thos. Rogers 

P. C. Heimbaugh 

Fred Krug 

John A. Harbach 

Thos. A. Frv 

S. H. H. Clark 

T. C. Brunner 

David Cole 

Wm. Bushman 

Dr. Gifford 

Fred Davis 

Meyer Hellman 

Fred Drexel 

John A. McShane 

Geo. W. Ames 

Dr. Geo. Tilden 

J. M. Woolworth 

John C. Cowin 

John L. Webster 

G. A. Lindquest 

Sophus Xeble 

John X'eble 

X. H. Loomis 



Arthur C. Wakely 
Xathan Merriam 
W. J. Council 
Albert Cahn 
Chas. H. Pickens 
C. W. Weller 
Aaron Cohn 
Geo. H. Kelley 
George Brothers 
Edgar Allen 
Oscar Allen 
Peter E. Her 
Dr. S. D. Mercer 
Hugh McCaffrey 
Ed. Reed 

Experience Estabrook 
Walter S. Jardine 
John A. Wakefield 
A. B. Huberman 
Henrv Livesev 
Lew Hill 
C. F. Goodman 
Geo. W. Lininger 
R. C. Patterson 
W. R. Bennett 
Joseph F. Sheely 
A. J. Simpson 
A. J. Vierling 
C. X. Dietz 
James I. Woodard 
James Xeville 
John G. Willis 
Geo. A. Hoagland 
T. C. Bjrne 
I. H. Congdon 
J. H. McConnell 
E. E. Bruce 
Fred W. Gray 
Fred Dellone 
Wm. I. Kierstead 
Chas. Dewey 
Chas. Shiverick 
Thos. Riley 
Thos. O'Connor 
Frank Dellone 
John Kennelly 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



229 



P. J. Qualey 
James Megeath 
Geo. W. Holdrege 
Thos. L. Kimball 
J. J. Hannighen 
Owen McCaffrey 
John Rosickey 
Dr. J. H. Peabody 
Dr. Peck 
J. E. House 
John Baumer 
Thomas Swift 
Mark Hansen 
Geo. Homan 
Richard O'Keefe 
Fred Lange 
Thos. Hoctor 
Wm. Wallace 
Henry Lehman 
E. Buckingham 
E. K. Long 
Frank Carliss 
Richard Kitchen 
Ralph Kitchen 
Richard Withnell 
Frank Ramge 
Ed. P. Peck 
Randall K. Brown 
A. D. Jones 
Enis Lowe 
John F. Coad 
Wm. F. Sweesy 
Michael Cudahy 
Geo. G. Wallace 
Robt. Cowell 
Thos. Kilpatrick 
J. N. H. Patrick 
Mat Patrick 
Theo. W. McCullough 
Andrew Murphy 
Bishop Clarkson 
Bishop O'Connor 
Dennis Cunningham 
Chas. S. Goodrich 
John Latenser 
Wm. Cullen Root 
E. A. Benson 
Fred Roos 
Wm. Gentleman 
Wearne Bros. 
Max Meyer 
Truman Buck 
S. R. Johnson 
Sam Spratlin 
J. H. Evans 
M. C. Peters 
Chas. L. Turner 
Harvey Newbranch 
Ward M. Burgess 
Alfred Sorenson 
John G. Jacobs 
Frank S. Parmelee 
Joseph Polcar 



M. R. Murphy 

John Brandt, Sr. 

John Rush 

Frank H. M«yer 

Bishop Worthington 

Bishop Scannell 

Samuel Burns 

John H. Butler 

James B. Haynes 

M. E. Smith 

G. L. Hammer 

Arthur C. Smith 

Richard L. Metcalf 

Chas. Elgutter 

Uncle Joe Redman 

Rev. John Williams 

J. M. Borglum, & Sons 

R. W. Bingham 

W. W. Bingham 

A. N. Yost 

P. W. Lynch 

Ed. Cassidy 

Rev. Thos. J. Mackay 

J. A. Linnahan 

J. J. O'Connor 

M. J. Kennard 

L. C. Nash 

Judge Dundy 

N. P. Dodge 

Haarman Bros. 

J. H. Dumont 

Dean Tancock 

J. A. Sunderland 

Barker Bros. 

J. F. Flack 

Geo. F. Gilmore 

C. G. Hunt 
Gladstone Bros. 
R. C. Peters 
Alfred Bloom 
Robert C. Strehlow 
Peter Windheim 

A. Hospe 
Richard Hoyte 
W. B. T. Belt 
G. E. Haverstick 

D. V. Sholes 
John T. Yates 
Geo. D. Meiklejohn 
Chas. E. Fanning 
Walter B. Wilkins 
Frank B. Johnson 
M. R. Resdon 

H. E. Cady 
Terence Mahoney 
Andrew Kewitz 
Martin Dunham 
L. H. Korty 
G. H. and J. S. Collins 
Byron Hastings 
Geo. W. Nattinger 
P. W. Kuhns 
Thomas M. Orr 



Robert Smith 
Henry Rosenthal 
Wm. G. Ure 
John MacDonald 
John H. Harte 
Val J. Peter 
Henry Ostrum 
Ben Rosenthal 
J. S. White 
Sam Orchard 
A. N. Wyman 
Geo. N. Hicks 
Alva B. Cook 
Garvin Bros. 
Gould N. Dietz 
Harry Byrne 
Sam Rees 
Geo. F. Shepard 
Jeff W. Bedford 
John T. Dillon 
Dr. E. Holovtchiner 
Thomas J. Fitzmorris 
Geo. B. Dyball 
Edward Riley 
Geo. W. Loomis 
Edward J. E. Riley 
Robert F. Gilder 
Ezra Millard, Jr. 
Keene Abbotte 
W. T. Graham 
W. A. Smith 
Frank Murphy 
Geo. Brandeis 
Frank Boyd 
J. B. Furay 
Robt. Purvis 
Thos. Quinlan 
John McCreary 
Judge W. A. Little 
Fred Krug 
Frank H. Woodland 
Thos. Beard 
Ed. Maurer 
John Hussie 
C. Z. Gould 
W. H. McKeen 
A. P. Tukey 
Victor White 
Phil McShane 
John C. Barnard 
Alfred Kennedy 
C. W. Hamilton 
Chas. L. Saunders 
Alvin Saunders 
Carr Axford 
Thos. Gentleman 
Chas. Westergaard 
P. A. Edquist 
S. A. Corneer 
Billy Byrne 
Frank A. Agnew 
Emmet Solomon 
Edwin F. Brailey 



230 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



Theo. Sinhold 
Geo. W. Tierney 
Louis Rheme 
W. G. Templeton 
Richard Downey 
Chas. Connoyer 
John McMillin 
Jerry Mulvahill 
I. C. Beisel 



Con Leary 
Peter Elrod 
Leo Hoffman 
Dexter L. Thomas 
Chas. Thomas 
Dr. T. J. Dwyer 
Nels Anderson 
J. Merrett 
James Cullen 



John Douglas 
Frank Walker 
Harry Morrill 
C. H. T. Riepen 
C. J. Caswell 
John McArdle 
Joseph Houska 
James McArdle 



THOSE NOT SO PROMINENT IN OMAHA'S UPBUILD. 



There are many early settlers and their families in Omaha 
who have never figured prominently in affairs, but who pursued 
the even tenor of their way, and who, in times of prosperity and 
adversity, have stood by this city and contributed their share 
toward making it the great progressive metropolis that is now is. 
i\[any of them have passed beyond the great divide ere this. 
Among those that I can offhandedly call to mind may be men- 
tioned the following; 



Jerry Mahoney 
Henry Schroeder 
Dan Danahy 
Chas. Unitt 
Phil Smith 
Wm. McKenna 
John McGowin 
G. Fred Elsasser 
Peter E. Elsasser 
John O'Neil 
Otto Siemssen 
Patrick Duffey 
Mrs. Tim Moriarty 
T. J. Moriarty 
Joseph Hannon 
Michael Walanze 
Andrew Fahy 
Louis Peterson 
Thos. J. Flynn 
Thos. Casey 
Christ Rose 
Geo. Kliffner 
Pat Garvey 
Henry Newcomb 
Peter O'Malley 
Mrs. Mulcahy 
Thos. Gentleman 
David Shannahan 
Thos. Dailey 
Terrence Boyle 
James L. Boyle 
J. Pritchard 
Richard Mullen 
James H. Connor 
C. M. Rylander 
Thos. Garvey 



John Garvey 

James H. Lynch 

Joseph Levine 

Michael Lovely 

Thos. J. Lowrey 

John Mullen 

Frank J. Kaspar 

Wm. O'Shaughnessy 

Mrs. Patrick Hogan 

Mrs. A. W. Coulter 

Mrs. Thos. Cormick 

Ed M. Robinson 

W. A. Belknapp 

John Bolan 

Dr. Michael Ford 

Mrs. Josephine Carroll 

P. J. Gorman 

E. P. Gould 

John Matrin 

Theo Gallagher 

J. O'Leary 

John F. Moriarty 

L. J. Kaas 

Chas. Daugherty 

J. J. Conlon 

James P. Dugdale 

W. B. Howard 

D. L. Shane 

Dr. L. P. Connolly 

Michael Hennessey 

Ed Fearon 

Dr. E. F. Coulter 

John Kerns 

John Albert Williams 

Frank Dewey 

Thos. J. Foley 

Ambrose Lee 

John J. Mahoney 



Chas. Van Camp 
Otto Meyer 
Louis Swoboda 
V. E. Kuncl 
D. C. Black 

C. B. Havens 
T. F. Maher 
Jacob Counsman 
Thos. P. Redmond 
N. P. Fell 

Bruno Tzschuck 
Thos. F. Quinlan 
Mrs. J. W. Garmong 
Fred Smith 
Chas. G. Dyball 
Hugh Murphy 

D. J. O'Brien 
John Dale 

P. J. Creedon 
Jos. E. Detrick 
Richard M. Downey 
John Liddell 
Michael Lee 
Gus Lockner 
Chas. Hanley 
Jonathon Edwards 
Louis Grebe 
J. H. Beard 
Jeremiah Leary 
Thomas W. Blackburn 
J. B. Nickerson 
George Heimrod 
Edward J. Malone 
Henry Schroeder, 
Henry Abrams 
C. H. Kubat 
W. A. Foster 
Cornelius Hogan 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



231 



Carl Herring 
David H. Christie 
W. e: Hyland 
James P. Dugdale 



Charles B. Dugdale 
Conrad G. Fisher 
Vaclof Burash 
F. W. Carmichael 



Robert Harris 
Edison C. Rich 
Frank A. Kennedy 
M. J. Greevy 



CHAPTER LI. 

ABOUT SOME OMAHA MEN, LIVING AND DEAD. 

W. A. Paxton always smoked a cob pipe. 
Edward Rosewater never carried any money. 
John L. Webster was never seen without a chronic vest. 
W. J. Connell would rather fight than eat (this applies to 
a lawsuit only). 

John I. Redic'k was the most sarcastic campaigner in Ne- 
braska. 

Casper E. Yost is no older in 1915 than in 1880. 

R. Beeeher Howell is said to be the handsomest man in 
Omaha. 

Judge Lee Estelle would adjourn court to hear a good moral 
story. 

Judge Sears is the gruffest, yet the biggest-hearted man on 
the bench. 

W. A. Shane of the Omaha National Bank is the most genial 
paying teller in Omaha. 

Judge Charles Leslie is the most pious man on the bench. 

Country Judge Crawford possesses more original wit than 
any man on the bench. 

Tom Quinlan possesses a smile that never comes off. 

Mayor James Dahlman can make a speech on the slightest 
provocation. 

Al Sorenson, editor of the Examiner, holds a patent on hu- 
morous writings. 

Sherm Clayton is the biggest man connected with the street 
car company. 

Harvey Newbranch of the Herald Avrites the longest edito- 
rials in the world. 

Victor Rosewater, editor of the Bee, parts his hair in the 
middle and has handsome teeth. 

Gurdon W. "Wattles smiles only on extraordinary occasions. 

Joseph Polcar, editor of the News, and John C. Lynch, county 
commissioner, don't speak as they pass by. 



232 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Sands Woodbridge of the World-Herald hasn't an enemy 
on earth. 

R. L. Metealf, editor of the Nebraskan, was once a warm 
admirer of W. J. Bryan. 

Gilbert M. Hitchcock is the youngest man who ever repre- 
sented Nebraska in the United States senate. 

C. 0. Lobeck is the slowest walker, yet the fastest runner 
that ever represented Omaha in congress. 

Tom Murray was the only man in Omaha that never sold a 
new and unused article. 

City Commissioner Jardine once challenged any one of his 
seventy-five teamsters to a fist fight, yet Walt uses crutches. 

City Commissioner Withnell never made a speech in his life. 

City Commissioner Kugel is the most feared man in Omaha 
— he has the entire police force behind him. 

Dan Butler is the only commissioner that no woman would 
have — at least he is unmarried. i 

Judge Ben Baker prides himself on the^fact that he hasn't a 
solitary hair on his head. 

Charles Unitt is the only man in Omaha that claims to have 
a duplicate. 

Postmaster Wharton's Avhisper can be heard all over the 
building. 

James Woodard never talks, but is always assistant post- 
master. 

Owen McCaffrej^ savs that every dav in the year is a "fine 
day." 

Rev .Savage has the marrying fever. 

Bert Murphy would rather sell an auto than marry any 
woman in the world. 

Weather Forecaster Welsh is the only mau in Omaha whose 
mistakes are either wet or dry ones. 

F. C. Best, county commissioner, claims he will put in his 
best licks to be re-elected. 

It is said of County Attorney Geo. A. Maguey that he looks 
more like Abraham Lincoln than Lincoln himself. 

It is said that Chief of Police Henry Uunn was once a 
boiler maker — I don't believe it; he can hear too well. 

Jos. Millard, president of the Omaha National Bank, has his 
office on the lot where he once lived. 

Police Judge Foster adds to a sentence the penalty for hiring 
a lawyer. 

Robert Cowell is conceded to be the ablest toastmaster and 
presiding officer in Nebraska. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 233 

It is said of Joseph Hayden that he can call by name and 
knows personally every one of his 300 employees. 

It is said of Henry Ostrum, deputy election commissioner, 
that he can tell where a man was born by his looks. 

Frank Dewey, comity clerk, does more work with less noise 
than any official in the court house. 

Bob Smith, clerk of the district court, isn't necessarily mad 
because he is red-headed. 

Judge Day of the district court was never known to get 
excited. 

Judge Troup of the district court would smile if he were 

fighting mad- 
Bill Ure, county treasurer, carries a smile — I could never 

learn why, except that he may use it as a concealed weapon, 

John Lj'^nch, county commissioner, is said to have more warm 
friends than any man in Douglas County. 

Judge Sutton is said to be the best politician in Nebraska. 

Judge W. A. Redick is the only graduate from the Omaha 
High School who ever occupied a seat on the district bench of 
this district. 



STORIES OF OMAHA MEN— LIVING AND DEAD. 

The following is one of the many stories told of one of the 
most eccentric and miserly man who ever lived in Omaha, and 
who for years was known to every man, woman and child in this 
city — old Tom Murray. The story runs like this : During Dave 
Mercer's second term in congress from this district he had occa- 
sion to be home during the recess and, having been chided so 
often in Washington about Tom Murray being one of his con- 
stituents, Dave called on Murray at his home on Eighteenth and 
Harney Streets and said, "Tom, you are a disgrace to Omaha, 
and I feel like killing you ; I will give you $1,000 if you will let 
me." Tom looked at him and said, "Dave, come back at 2 o'clock 
and I'll let you know." At the appointed time Dave was there 
and to his surprise Murrav said, "I tell you what I'll do, Dave; 
I'll let you half kill me for $500." 



Another story told of Murray is that he had three barrels 
of apples stored in his cellar one winter and the top ones started 
to rot, so he picked out the decaying ones and ate them. He did 
this every morning until he finally finished all of them in that 
way. 



234 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Back in the early '80s, when Judge G. W. Shields got mar- 
ried he started keeping house and had to have some dishes, so 
called at Sam Burns' crockery store. Mr. Burns, as all who 
knew him know, had a whining accent. The judge purchased a 
few articles and was departing when he chanced to ask the price 
of some expensive pieces and Mr. Burns said to him, "George, 
you need not ask the price of these— they are too high for you. ' ' 
That hurt the judge's pride and he replied, "Well, maybe they 
are, but you needn't cry about it." 



The late Judges Savage and John I. Redick were trying a 
lawsuit before a jury in 1886, and Judge Savage in conclusion 
said to the jury, "Gentlemen, I have made this case very plain 
to you and I warn you that all you'll hear from Judge Redick will 
be abuse of me." Judge Redick in addressing the jury said, 
' * Gentlemen, my friend Judge Savage told you that all you would 
hear from me would be abuse of him ; now, gentlemen, I want 
to say to you as well as Judge Savage, that I lay claims to gal- 
lantrv — I never abused an old woman in mv life." 



Attorney Henry Estabrook, formerly of Onmha and now of 
New York and a candidate for the republican nomination for 
president, while trying a lawsuit before Judge Savage in the 
old Court House, was threatened by the judge that if he did not 
sit down he would fine him for contempt of court, Avhich fine he 
did impose later. Estabrook, true to his characteristic wit, said, 
"Your Honor, you have fined me for contempt in a matter over 
which I have no jurisdiction, as I am afflicted with the same 
ailment as that of your honor, and when I sit it causes me excru- 
ciating pain, Avhich no one knows or can appreciate more than 
your honor." Judge Savage looked at Estabrook and said, 
"Henry, if your statement is true, and I have no proof to the con- 
trary, I will remit the fine and costs, ' ' 



In 1898, Avhen Judge Ben Baker was on the district bench, 
an Irishman by the name of Dennis Lane of South Omaha Avas a 
witness in a case on trial. Lane became an unwilling Avitness and 
refused to answer a certain question propounded him, saying 
that he Avas not on trial. The judge looked at him over his spec- 
tacles and said, "You refuse to ansAver because you are not on 
trial, is that it? Well, I'll tell you that if you don't ansAver you 
Avill be on trial in about a minute." He ansAvered. 



This story is told of the late Isaac Hascall. On Haseall's 
entrance into the city council in 1880 he met a man named Foley 
who congratulated him on his election, informing him of the fact 
that he (Foley) had tAvo lots on a certain street Avhich, if Hascall 



OMAHAMEMORIES 235 

would get graded he would give him one of them. At this Hascall 
became indignant and lodged a complaint in the council against 
a citizen who had sought to bribe him. The council having con- 
vened for the purpose of hearing the complaint, Hascall told his 
story. He was followed by Foley, who admitted he had offered 
Hascall a lot, but said the reason why they did not agree was 
owing to the fact that Hascall wanted the lot with the house on 
it. The case was dismissed and Hascall never afterward sought 
to bring proceedings against anyone who broached the subject of 
bribery. 



I once had a case before the late Judge Dundy of the federal 
court. The man was charged with selling liquor to an Indian 
and my client had been in jail for some time so I suggested to 
the judge, as the offense was a trivial one, that he dismiss him 
with a reprimand, it being Christmas Eve. This the judge agreed 
to do, as also did Judge Ben Baker, then United States attorney. 
The prisoner being brought before him, the judge in a gruff man- 
ner started to reprimand him and soon informed him that he 
could go "hence without day." The prisoner, thinking he had 
said, ' * Go hence, without delay, ' ' made a sudden run for the door 
and out of the court room, and I firmly believe he is running yet, 
and that was in 1891. 



Hugh Murphy, the contractor, was asked by a friend of his 
if he could get Peter Her to sign a note for him would he (Mur- 
phy) sign it, too. Murphy, who is recognized as one of the 
shrewdest men in the country, said, "Yes, you get Pete Her to 
sign that note ; you know that I always have money on hand, 
and to show you that I am a good fellow I will give you the 
money on it myself." So far Murphy has had no occasion to 
advance the money, and that was in 1890. 



Back in 1886, when I Avas in the cigar and real estate busi- 
ness on Douglas Street, I banked with the Commercial National 
Bank, of wdiich the late Ezra Millard was president. One morn- 
ing before leaving the store and office I wrote a check for $12 
and had it cashed in Henry Kaufman's saloon, next door, as I 
wanted to leave small money to make change in the cigar store. 
A few evenings thereafter Mr. Millard was passing my store and 
called me out and said, ' ' Mr. Morearty, in looking over the checks 
that came into the bank today I noticed one of yours for $12 
in payment of a saloon bill. You are a young man and I want 
to advise you against issuing checks on saloons, as we bankers 
scrutinize carefully the purposes for which our patrons spend 
their monev. " I thanked him verv kindlv and from that dav 



236 OMAHAMEMORIES 



to this I never had a check cashed in a saloon. I was thinking 
but yesterday what a time his brother, Joseph Millard, Avould 
have today in examining the checks of his customers in the 
Omaha National Bank, of which he is president and I am a 
depositor. 

HOW BOYHOOD'S COMPANIONS SCATTER. 

A few facts which I here present will fully illustrate how 
ones' boyhood companions scatter to the four winds of heaven. 
The first instance of this kind that fell to my lot was in the case 
of M. L. Learned, one of Omaha's prominent attorneys, as related 
in the biography of him in another part of these Recollections. 

John Holt of this city is another. He was born in Knoxville, 
Tenn., and we were schoolmates, John being the younger of the 
two and, like all boys, he had some peculiar traits that in after 
years a companion would remember. Holt was noted for his 
aversion to headgear. He would never wear a cap, and was 
invariably sent home for it. In the course of time we both left 
school and never met until 1889, when in January of that year 
a young man came to my desk in the county judge's office and 
asked for a marriage license. I kneAv him at first glance, but 
he did not recognize me. After taking his name, place of birth, 
etc., I handed him his license and inquired when he had made up 
his mind to wear a hat. A few words more and we were recalling 
our schooldays of long ago. He was a stranger in a strange land, 
and I secured him a position with the electric light company, 
since which time he has held remunerative offices and is at pres- 
ent superintendent of our municipal beach. He has raised a 
large family, has a lovely wife and all are happy and content. 

T. I. (or Teddy) Morrow, for a number of years street car 
conductor on the Fal'nam line and now engaged in the real estate 
business here, is another instance that I experienced. Teddy was 
one of my school companions when we both attended school in a 
log cabin in the primeval forest of East Tennessee, near Knox- 
ville. I had been absent from school one day when Morrow "fit" 
and whipped one of my cousins, a boy much smaller than he. 
That evening I sent word to Teddy "that the next time I saw 
him, it made no difference where or when, I was going to lick 
him." I never saw or heard of him again until one cold night we 
were sitting by a stove in a political club in Omaha, when we 
both wished we were back in sunny Tennessee. It w^as then that 
we recalled the long standing threat, one m&de in 1871, this 
meeting having taken place in 1899. We both agreed that it 
was barred by statute of limitation and no two men were ever 
more delighted to meet and talk over boyhood days than Teddy 
Morrow and I. IMoral : ' ' The memory of schooldays covers a 
multitude of sins." 



OMAHAMEMORIES 237 



CHAPTER LII. 

WOODMEN OF THE WORLD. 

The Woodnieu of the World is the only fraternal lodge of 
importance ever organized in Omaha. It was started here in 
February, 1890, in a two-story building at 315 South Thirteenth 
Street in a small hall over Trexel & Williams ' commission house, 
which for ten years or more afterward was used and occupied 
by the Marks Saddlery Company. 

It was founded by my then neighbor, Joseph CuUen Root, 
who was also founder of the Modern Woodmen. I recall the 
occasion when the W. 0. W. was started, having been asked by 
Mr. Root to be present so that I might be one of its charter mem- 
bers. Having had a pressing engagement elsewhere, I was un- 
able to participate, a fact which I have often regretted. While 
Mr. Yates, its present general secretary, was not its first secretary 
or clerk, yet he became so shortly afterward and has continued 
in that capacity up to the present time, Mr. Root remaining its 
chief officer up to the time of his death in 1914. The first camp 
was called Alpha Camp No. 1, of which I have for years been 
a member. It is the largest as well as the oldest one of the order. 
The headquarters of the W. 0. W. have always remained in 
Omaha, and are now located in their own magnificent sixteen- 
story building at Fourteenth and Farnam Streets. 

Without wishing to reflect upon any of the many fraternal 
organizations of this country, I am free to say that of all of them 
of which I have been and am still affiliated with, the W .0. W. 
is, in my judgment, the soundest, safest and the best constituted 
and well balanced of any. I would not have made special mention 
of this organization to the* exclusion of the many other good and 
reliable ones in this city Avere it not for the fact that it had its 
birth in Omaha, as well as its headquarters having always been 
maintained here. 

The chief officers of the organization at this writing are : 
W. A. Frazer, sovereign commander; B. W. Jewell, socereign 
adviser ; John T. Yates, sovereign clerk ; A. H. Burnett, general 
attorney. 

POLITICAL CLUBS. 

Political clubs in Omaha have been many but short-lived, 
mostly springing up as the enthusiasm of the occasion warranted. 
For some time this pentup enthusiasm was confined to the demo- 
cratic and republican parties. Later on the populist party ap- 
peared upon the scene, flourished and fell. I will write of them 
in their order. 



238 OMAHAMEMORIES 

Republican — For a number of years the leaders of the repub- 
lican party, having a mortal cinch in the shaping of its affairs, 
were reluctant to yield any part of that power to the rank and 
file of the party. Those were the days of railroad domineering, 
when John M. Thurston guided the political destiny of the Union 
Pacific railroad, while Geo. Wt. Holdrege cared for that of the 
Burlington & Missouri River railroad and Ben White did likewise 
for the Northwestern. King Caucus ruled supreme, ond no polit- 
ical ward-heeler dare absent himself from the ward caucus ; and 
woe be unto him who bolted the action and honest verdict reached 
by that august bod}^ — he was marked for life and placed on the 
black book of every corporation in Omaha. 

Soon the rank and file of the part}^ began to realize that 
they had been boss-ridden long enough and would suffer no more 
from the iron heel of this juggernaut. To that end they began to 
form and organize political clubs where their lips would not be 
sealed and an opportunity be had whereby they would give vent 
to their pentup feelings. As a usual thing after every national 
convention the party would form a club to indorse the action of 
the convention. As a rule the officers of such club were selected 
in* advance in the office of one of the large corporations. If 
through any mishap the slate did not carry, a way was yet open 
— that was to kill the club in its embyro and get control of the 
county central committee, where due care was taken that none 
but the true and tried were placed on guard where his voice 
died in his throat (vox faucibus haesit). 

Republican Knights — The first republican club of any impor- 
tance formed in Omaha was in 1899, and was known as the Re- 
publican Knights of America. It was organized more in the 
interest of John L. Webster's candidacy for United States sena- 
tor than for the party as a whole. This club assumed a noiseless 
proportion, and was swimming with the stream until a number 
of the friends and advocates of Edward Rosewater's candidate 
for the same office sought to gain control of the machinery of 
the club, which they eventually did. Enthusiasm having died, 
the club did likewise in 1901. 

McKinley Club — In 1903 the McKinley Club was organized. 
Its active membership was confined to republicans under thirt.y- 
five years. Its first president was Dr. Harry Foster, under whose 
management the club flourished and for some two years it had 
attained a nationwide reputation, having entertained many of 
the most prominent men in the party, but it, too, died a natural 
death in 1904. 

Fontenelle Club — Following the McKinley Club came that of 
the Fontenelle. This club and its members soon became imbued 
with the idea that they were foreordained by providence to fill 



OMAHAMEMORIES 239 



a loug-felt want — that of reforming the party in Omaha and 
Donglas County by kindling in the breasts of the good people 
a great necessity for moral uplift. Their first plunge into the 
political field was in the fall election of 1904, when they elected 
a majority of the members of the legislature from this county. 
Flushed with the glory of this victory, they had but little trouble 
in getting credit on such a valuable asset. So alluring was it 
that the Union Pacific railroad immediately took a big block of 
the stock. This was not paid for in cash to its members, but in 
the equipment of a luxurious headquarters where the orders and 
mandates of this company were as freely given and as punctually 
carried out as if issued direct from its own headquarters. Its 
Shibboleth was ' ' Reform ; ' ' their slogan, ' ' Down With Ed. Rose- 
water, " and with those two cries they soon went mad — the shibbo- 
leth they never meant, the slogan they were never able to carry 
out. In the spring of 1906 they became flamboyant and placed a 
complete city ticket in the field, with E. A. Benson for mayor, 
but no one on it was elected. In 1908 this club disbanded, yet as 
late as 1915 they were still parading the name at the primary 
election with a full ticket of those who could pay the price 
and get the benefit of the name of a political club that had been 
dead and buried for years. 

Equal Rights Club— In 1906 the Equal Rights Club Avas or- 
ganized as an opposing factor or rival to the Fontenelle Club. 
It was formed in my office in October, 1905. John Lewis was 
president and myself secretary, with a charter membership of 
thirty active republicans. In less than a year its membership 
reached 4,000. It was strictly a republican club, non-factional 
and non-sectarian, where the true principles of Abraham Lincoln 
republicanism Avere preached and carried out. It was opposed 
to sham reform and sham reformers, ranting fanatics and dreamy 
imbeciles. It Avas the instrument of cementing the party in this 
county, the results of which are felt eveu to this day — many re- 
publicans having been elected through its influence are yet hold- 
ing their offices. In the campaign of 1906 it elected a complete 
legislative ticket, one that contributed its share in placing on 
the statute book the best laws ever enacted in behalf of the peo- 
ple of this state, some of which were "The Terminal Taxation 
Law," the "TAvo-Cent Passenger Rate" and the abolition of the 
free railroad pass. This club had but two presidents during its 
four years of existence — John Lewis and I. G. Baright, but one 
secretary, myself, and but one treasurer, John S. Helgren. Hav- 
ing filled its mission the club disbanded, carrying Avith it the 
good-Avill of all true republicans in Douglas County. 

Republican League — In 1914 the Douglas County Republican 
League Avas organized. I Avas its president, and L. V. Guye, secre- 
tary. Its mission Avas to harmonize the discordant elements 



240 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

of the party. It had a membership of 700, and gave one of the 
few picnics and barbecues ever given by that party in this county 
in August of that year at Florence, which proved a huge suc- 
cess. It having attained its object, disbanded after the election 
of that year. 

Samoset Club — In 1884 the democrats of Douglas County 
organized the Samoset Club, which was the first party club that I 
recall in this city. It was composed of the leading democrats 
of the county and was a great political factor for years. They 
were uniformed, and of a class of uniforms that were showy and 
attractive. In fact, it was one of the finest political clubs this 
Avestern country has ever seen, modeled both in purpose and in 
dress after that of Tammany Hall. It went out of business in 
1890, after winning many successful battles for the party in this 
county. 

Jacksonian Club — In the summer of 1889 the Jacksonian 
Club was organized. The ones who first thought of bringing 
it into existence were James B. Sheehan, now attorney for the 
NorthAvestern railroad at St. Paul, Minn., .and S. R. Bush, now 
assistant attorney general of the United States. These two young 
men broached the subject to me in my office in the then New 
York Life building. I encouraged them in their efforts, but did 
not join, though holding office as a democrat, as I felt that my 
ideas upon the tariff would soon cause my expulsion;. James 
Sheehan was elected its first president and the club made rapid 
and marvelous growth, so much so that it had as members every 
prominent democrat in the state, with W. J. Bryan as its prophet. 
For a number of years it controlled the democratic politics of 
Douglas County and had much influence in shaping the party's 
policies in the entire state. In 1908 a disagreement arose among 
the members resulting in the withdraAval of many of them and 
the formation of a new club called the Douglas County Democ- 
racy Club, Avith Louis J. Piatti at its head. This club for a long 
AAdiole overshadowed the Jaeksonians, and much rivalry prevailed, 
the Jacks, however maintaining their identity, but in a quiet 
way. The neAv club lived and flourished for some four years, 
when it disbandecl, leaving the Jacksonian the field. For a num- 
ber of years the Jacksonian Club had elaborate headquarters at 
Fifteenth and Harney Streets. Though still in existence, it has 
no regular headquarters, but holds occasional meetings and ban- 
quets. 

Dahlman Democracy Club — In 1907 the Dahlman Democracy 
Club Avas organized, taking its name (and instructions) from 
Mayor James C. Dahlman. It is yet in existence and for years 
has maintained headquarters. It is a riA^al of the Jacksonian Club 
and numerically much stronger. It has controlled the democratic 



OMAHAMEMORIES 241 

machinerj^ in Douglas County from its birth, and bids fair to 
continue to do so for a number of years. I am not informed as 
to the rivalry, but judging from my own knowledge of the men 
that constitute the respective clubs I would be inclined to the 
belief that it is a matter of social standing between the parties, 
as well as their respective appetites, the Jacks feasting on fried 
chicken and grape juice and the Dahlmans being content with 
Hungarian goulash and keg beer. 

Peter Cooper Club — In 1898 the populist party of Douglas 
County organized the Peter Cooper Club, which had the distinc- 
tion of having more members than any other club of that party 
in the United States. It flourished until 1900, when it died from 
an overdose of fusion or democratic inoculation. I stood at its 
baptismal font, and Elmer E. Thomas, John W. Barnett, John Q. 
Yeiser, Victor Wilson and Geo. A. Maguey were its pallbearers. 

THE BANKERS REALTY INVESTMENT COMPANY. 

It is not so important that New York City boasts a won- 
derful "sky-line," or that Chicago grows overnight to house her 
industrial and social life. The really significant factor underlying 
this and other structural evidences of metropolitanism is the 
possession by a given community of the gigantic power necessary 
to create its great buildings. Truly, there is food for reflection 
in the thought that "as a state builds, so shall it prosper." 

Early in its evolution, earlier by far than the majority of 
states which have been and are inarching to high place in the 
national scale of economic importance, Nebraska has realized 
the need for adequate construction facilities and proceeded, out of 
hand, to create them. 

In Omaha in the month of May five years ago the Bankers 
Realty Investment Company had its inception as an exponent of 
modern building science and as a manifestation of western enter- 
prise. It was then that our state departed from the outgrown, 
haphazard, too-costly methods in vogue in the building field. 

The Bankers Realty Investment Company undertook this 
work, officered by prominent Omaha men and financed by Ne- 
braska capital. It was prophesied that the company would ulti- 
mately build the state's sky-scrapers, though in the beginning 
its operations were confined to homes and smaller business build- 
ings. Today fulfillment takes the place of prophecy and, in the 
Bankers Realty Investment Company, Nebraska has one of her 
great practical assets, a construction organization ranking as 
one of the most efficient in the country at large and as the big- 
gest and strongest concern of its kind in the central western 
states. 



242 OMAHAMEMORIES 

The story of the growth of this company is the old, old suc- 
cess story of co-ordination applied to chaotic conditions ; of fore- 
sight which sensed opportunity and of indomitable energy which 
performed the actual and afduous task of gathering into one 
complete whole the scattered units of the old style building sys- 
tem. Ordinarily, ten professions and forty-six trades are re- 
quired in carrying out a building enterprise of any magnitude. 
And, ordinarily, these numerous factors work independently of 
each other, to the detriment of efficient and satisfactory results. 
The Bankers Realty Investment Company has welded together 
everything incident to the construction of any building, from 
a simple home to a huge business structure. 

At its main offices in the Bee Building, Omaha, the company 
now employs, directs and controls the various professional men, 
artisans and circumstances which enter into and are part of 
building construction work. It has its own staff of experienced 
architects, construction engineers, purchasing agents, estimating 
experts, building superintendents, its permanent trained mechan- 
ics and laborers. It has a financial department which provides 
capital where building clients are unable to carry out projects 
of scope greater than their immediate resources and, to make 
matters complete, it maintains an insurance department to pro- 
vide protection for the buildings it erects. 

This is the modern building organization in brief, the epitome 
of all that is efficient. It succeeds in greatly reducing the cost 
of construction — by eliminating losses due to unscientific plan- 
ning, by cutting out unnecessary expenditures covering the profits 
of the old contractor-subcontractor system, and by keeping within 
the limit of cost guaranteed tlie building client at the outset of 
the work. This latter is a vastly important point, since under 
the old order of building it happens far more often than not 
that the finished building costs the owner a third or over more 
than the architect estimated. 

In addition to effecting economies, this modern building or- 
ganization is likely to construct a more durable and more satis- 
factory building in every respect than can be expected of the 
system it is supplanting. Wider experience alone would account 
for this, but in addition, of course, there is the necessity, as a 
business proposition, of establishing a reputation for efficient 
construction method which shall be the basis of future growth. 
No more convincing evidence of the accomplishment of high-grade 
work could be had than the growth of assets of the Bankers 
Healtv Investment Company from $867,5,76.77 in 1913 to .$2,543,- 
501.56 in 1916. 

All in all, the existence of the Bankers Realty Investment 
Company is prophetic, since, duplicating as it does the best build- 



OMAHAMEMORIES 243 

ing facilities of the older sections of the United States, it fore- 
shadows the speedy evolution of Nebraska's centers of popula- 
tion into the sky-scraping piles which characterize the American 
metropolis wherever it has been established. The Bankers Realty 
Investment Company, in short, is to Nebraska and the middle 
west what similar institutions have been to the east — the giant 
hand which uprears the big buildings of the present and future. 

One of the greatest financial mistakes of my life was made 
when I failed to purchase stock in this company at the time of 
its organization, since which time its stock has greatly increased 
in value; yet at its present advanced price I would advise those 
with surplus cash to purchase as much of this stock as their 
means will permit. 

I have carefully watched the safe and sane business methods 
of this company and as such I must say that they are in this 
respect in a class within themselves. I am in good position to 
observe the workings of this company, officing as we do in the 
same building, they occupying many rooms on the ground floor 
as Avell as the second floor of the Bee building. 

The officers of this companj' are Peter Elvad, president; C. 
H. Jackson, assistant general manager; Dr. Frederick J. Wearne, 
vice president ; F. C. Haver, secretary and treasurer, and I. Zeig- 
ler, solicitor. 

OMAHA GAS COMPANY. 

The record of the Omaha Gas Company has been one of con- 
tinuous progress in supplying the Omaha community with eco- 
nomical, safe and convenient light and fuel. It was one of the 
first gas companies in the United States to adopt progressive com- 
mercial methods to supply the people of the community it serves, 
realizing that only by acquiring a large volume of sales could 
it reduce prices to the extent necessary to make its product avail- 
able for everyone. That it has accomplished this is shown by 
the record of rates that have been in effect. 

The following are the net prices for gas charged at various 
dates: 

1883 $3.00 per thousand cubic feet 

1886 1 .75 per thousand cubic feet 

1893 1.60 per thousand cubic feet 

1896 1.35 per thousand cubic feet 

1905 1.25 per thonsand cubic feet 

1906 1.15 per thousand cubic feet 

1916 1.00 per thousand cubic feet 

To accomplish these results has necessitated very large cap- 
ital expenditures in order to reach and serve the people. This is 
shown by the fact that in 1897 only one person out of fifteen of 



244 OMAHAMEM OKIES 

the population had a gas meter, while today the ratio is one 
meter to five of the population. To reach this large proportion 
of the population requires over 310 miles of gas mains — enough 
to reach three-fifths of the distance from Omaha to Chicago. In 
1892 there were eighty-seven miles of mains. 

Prior to 1890 gas in Omaha was used largely for lighting pur- 
poses. In January of that year there were but eight gas cook 
stoves in the city. The "cook with gas" campaign began in 
March, 1890, with a cooking school in the old Y. M. C. A. 
building. 

The first solicitor for gas business in the country was em- 
ployed by the Omaha Gas Company in 1892. From this grew a 
permanently organized "new business department" of fifteen ex- 
perts, devoting their entire time to studying the needs of cus- 
tomers and extending the business. At present every fair-sized 
and modern gas company maintains a business-pushing force. 
When these methods were established locally the gas company 
w^as a pioneer, and its efforts regarded skeptically by other com- 
panies. 

In 189-4 the company reduced the charge for installed serv- 
ice connections one-half. Two years later it began the untried 
practice of running service connections free. This policy is still 
effective. It has saved customers hundreds of thousands of dol- 
lars, and shows very conclusively the benefits the people have 
received in this way from a privately owned corporation, and 
in contrast with utilities that charge not only for the service con- 
nection from the main to the house, but that charged for the 
main as well, such as are exacted by our municipal owned water 
works. 

Gas ranges, water heaters and other appliances have been 
sold to customers at the lowest possible prices. Local business 
houses have been encouraged to handle gas appliances, and at 
least seventeen are now carrying stocks of this kind. 

The Gas Company, through its employees, contributes a 
large share to the purchasing power of the Omaha public, many 
of them having been employed for a long term of years, the 
oldest employees having been with the company thirty-three 
years. 

The Gas Company was the pioneer in this city in endeavoring 
to give good and satisfactory service to its patrons, and its efforts 
have been greatly appreciated, as shown by tht many letters 
and words of commendation from those whom it serves. 

Its motto is and always will be, "Treat everyone honestly 
and fairly," and by so doing they can but expect such treatment 
from the public. 



OMAHAMEMORIES 245 

This company emplo.yes about 300 persons and pays the best 
Avages paid by any firm or corporation in Omaha, all of whom 
are happy and content with their lot, also happy in the knowl- 
edge that politics plays no part in their advancement and pro- 
motion; that individual worth and not a political pull is the 
route to their promotion and advancement. 

In addition to its heavy pay roll this company pays in to 
the city treasury in the neighborhood of $152,000 per year as 
taxes. 

I have had occasion to deal with this company for the past 
thirty-two years and I have 3'^et to find the first instance of fraud 
or deception practiced bj' them, but on the contrary, I have 
found them ready and willing at all times to correct any mis- 
takes that perchance might have arisen through their meter serv- 
ice. As to treatment, I know of no public service corporation in 
Omaha as accommodating as this company. From its president, 
F. T. Hamilton; its general manager, G. W. Clabaugh, down to 
the humblest employee, courteous treatment can be had at all 
times. 

THE PROHIBITION QUESTION. 

At the general election in 1916 in all likelihood there will 
be submitted to the people of Nebraska for their approval or 
rejection an amendment to our state constitution providing for 
constitutional prohibition in the sale and manufacture of vinous 
and intoxicating liquors. 

In 1890 a like amendment was submitted and voted on by 
the citizens of this state and M^as defeated by a large majority; 
yet conditions may be different in 1916. 

Personally I can see no good that can come to this state 
through prohibition. On the contrarj^ I can readily understand 
why it would be a financial detriment to its progress. The Slo- 
cumb law, under which we have lived for thirty-four years, has 
been very satisfactor,y when lived up to and strictly enforced, 
and if it cannot be rigidly enforced neither can prohibition, as 
exemplified in the states that have tried it. There are less drunk- 
ards and less crime and poverty in Nebraska, in proportion to pop- 
ulation, than in any state in the Union ; then why experiment with 
an effort at total suppression of the liquor business? Should the 
amendment carry, Omaha will be the hardest hit of any part of 
the state. It would throw out of emplo.yment some 4,000 men; 
greatly reduce our bank clearances and bank deposits ; raise our 
taxes very materially — as a sequence the reduction in salaries 
of our already poorly paid teachers. There is no cogent reason 
why the people of Omaha should ask or vote for prohibition ; the 
city is enjoying health, happiness and prosperity, what more 
could they ask? In short, the people of Omaha and the entire 



246 OMAHA MEMORIES 



state should be content in the adage of "letting well enough 
alone. ' ' 

The liquor question is often agitated for various reasons 
and bv a varied class of individuals. I have known many instances 
in which the prime motive was to attract the attention of the 
people from the real live issues, or in other words, a hobgoblin 
to draw their minds from legislation affecting the greed of trust 
and corporations. There are, no doubt, many well-meaning and 
sincere men and women who are agitating the matter through 
purely' honest motives, but there are others who are for prohibi- 
tion for the money there is in it, who, if you stopped their pay. 
their lips would be shut so tight and quickly that a finger caught 
there would be bitten off. Others have motives of revenge, 
brought about through thwarted political ambitions, charging it 
to the interference of the liquor element, all of Avhich motives 
are selfish, and in no way should interest the public in general. 

I am free to admit that the brcAvery interests m and out of 
this state have had much to do with the present agitation for 
prohibition, and if it carries it can be justly charged to their 
ignorance and indiscrete conduct. The average brewer has a 
sufficient knowledge of mathematics to know that there is 300 
per cent profit in a barrel of beer, and as a rule has little con- 
scientious scruples about where it is sold or when, as long as he 
has positive assurance that it will be paid for in due time. Not 
content with big profits, he must engage in politics so that he 
can dictate who shall make the laws and how they shall be en- 
forced (or Avinked at), never realizing that such active participa- 
tion in the furtherance of his selfish interests is gradually draw- 
ing down upon him the wrath of the people. 

The poor saloonkeeper that works ten hours a day to scrape 
together the money that pays the brewer and enables him to 
build mansions, both in this and in other countries, is the man 
who is abused the most. lie is denied life insurance and ostra- 
cized by society ; must close his place of business at 8 p. m. ; pay 
$1,000 a year license and invariabh' very high rent to the brewer 
Avho, in most all cases, owns the saloon property — contrary to 
law. 

This, coupled with the fact that the saloonkeeper, after clos- 
ing his doors at the time provided by law, is confronted with 
the spectacle of having to witness the upstairs tenant of the 
brewer selling enormous quantities of bottled beer on a .t25-a-year 
government license. 

This article will probably not meet with the approval of 
either side of the controversy^ yet they are my views, gained from 
actual knowledge, and while I shall vote against prohibition, I 
still maintain that should it carry the blame will justly be charged 
to the brewers. In this connection I wish it understood that 



OMAHA MEMORIES 247 

brewers as a whole should not be considered in this article, as 
there are honorable exceptions, namely, that of the late departed 
Fred Metz and that honored and respected old citizen, Fred Krng, 
both of Omaha. 

ST. PHILOMENA'S OLD CHURCH AND CATHEDRAL. 

St. Philomena 's Roman Catholic Church and Cathedral, which 
for close to half a centurj- stood near the corner of Ninth and 
Harney Streets, carries memories of the long ago, memories min- 
gled with both joys and sorrows, as it was the scene of happy 
occasions for some and many sad bereavements for others. 

^[y own recollections were and are but fond, glorious ones, 
as it was in that church, a few hours after my arrival in Omaha, 
that I knelt before the first altar in Nebraska ; it was there that I 
was married, and there that my first child was baptized, and 
where my dear mother had spent many an hour in prayer and 
meditation. The bell on its tall steeple daily rang its Angelus, 
tolled its sad notes on the demise of a dear friend or relative; 
it pealed forth its call to worship to the many j^et living and 
the hundreds whose inscriptions can be read on the tombstones 
of Holy Sepulcher and St. Mary's cemeteries, 

j\Iany are the mothers and grandmothers yet living who 
were led from its altar by some honest, warm-hearted, muscle- 
hardened pioneer. How sweet the memory- of its Bishops, 'Gor- 
man and O'Connor and Scannell, also of its dead and saintly 
priests, P^athers Kellej^, Curtis, Bruin, 'Connor, Rierdon and Mc- 
Carthy, and of that of the living, Colaneri, English, McGovern, 
Carroll, Jennette, Stenson and Moriarty, 

But time in its onAvard march has caused it to crumble and 
give way to commercial progress, and to yield to that natural 
instinct of mankind to move westward, where the course of all 
empires have taken their sway. Let us hope that those of us 
who are yet living, who were its former members and parishion- 
ers, may live long to cherish its hallowed memory, and while 
traveling through this valley of tears forget not the brave and 
faithful dead who once shared in our joys and sorrows, and 
chant for them the De Pro Fundis, and pray God to have mercy 
on their souls. 



248 



OMAHA MEMORIES 



CONCLUSION. 



old. 



In conclusion, let me say that we are more or less — growing 



A little more tired at close of day; 
A little less anxious to have our way; 
A little less ready to scold and blame; 
A little more care for a brother's name; 
And so we are nearing the journey's end, 
There time and eternity meet and blend. 



A little less care for bonds and gold; 
A little more zest in the days of old; 
A broader view and a saner mind, 
And a little more love for all mankind; 
A little more careful of what we say. 
And so we are facing a-down the way. 

A little more love for the friends of youth; 
A little more zeal for established truth; 
A little more charity in our views; 
A little less thirst for the daily news; 
And so we are folding our tents away 
And passing in silence at close of day. 

A little more leisure to sit and dream; 
A little more real the things unseen; 
A little bit nearer to those ahead, 
With visions of those long-loved and dead; 
And so we are going where all must go, 
To the place the living may never know. 



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